Political Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of many households today, including family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”