'The holy family is in hiding': nativity scenes at US churches push back on ICE

US Churches Display Nativity Scenes Mocking Trump's Immigration Crackdown, Portraying Jesus and His Family as Victims of ICE.

In a striking display of satire, churches across the US are depicting nativity scenes that mock President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration policies. The scenes depict baby Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, being treated like refugees, highlighting the harsh realities faced by families caught in the crossfire of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) crackdowns.

At one Chicago church, a nativity scene features baby Jesus wrapped in foil blankets typically given to ICE detainees, with his wrists zip-tied. The image is meant to convey the senseless cruelty inflicted on those deemed vulnerable by the Trump administration's policies.

Meanwhile, another church in Chicago has taken down its traditional nativity scene and replaced it with a sign that reads "ICE was here." The move reflects the growing resistance among faith leaders against ICE's tactics, which have been widely criticized for their impact on migrant families and communities.

According to some behind these displays, portraying Jesus and his family as victims of ICE helps bring attention to the Trump administration's agenda. By highlighting the real fears and experiences of families in their communities, the nativity scenes aim to humanize those who are often dehumanized by policies aimed at controlling borders.

Critics argue that such actions can be seen as insensitive or provocative, but others see them as a necessary reminder of the moral implications of these policies. "Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something," said Michael Woolf, senior minister at one of the participating churches.

These church displays are part of a broader movement by faith leaders to speak out against ICE's tactics and advocate for immigrant rights. As some argue that these actions can be seen as confrontational, others see them as a necessary act of resistance in the face of an administration that has shown little regard for human life or dignity.

The nativity scenes have sparked heated debate and discussion about the role of faith leaders in speaking out against injustice and the impact of Trump's policies on migrant families. Whether viewed as insensitive or thought-provoking, these displays serve as a powerful reminder of the moral stakes at play in this contentious issue.

the church scenes are like, super timely I guess they're using a story that's already all about love and acceptance to highlight how some ppl don't think that applies to everyone. it's cool that the churches are speaking out and trying to get people talking about this stuff. but at the same time, some ppl might feel uncomfortable or even offended by the way it's being done. I mean, christmass can be a time for reflection and kindness, so maybe there's a better way to do it?

I gotta say, I'm both surprised & heartened by these churches putting up nativity scenes that are basically highlighting the harsh realities faced by people caught in Trump's immigration crackdowns. It's like, yeah, Jesus and his fam are being treated like refugees too . I think it's a bold move to create art on their lawns to raise awareness about this issue, especially during a time when many people have lost sight of what Christmas is really all about.

It's not about being insensitive or provocative; it's about humanizing those who are often treated like pawns in the game of border control. We gotta remember that there are real lives at stake here . And if faith leaders can be part of this conversation, then more power to 'em! It's a time when we need people speaking truth to power and challenging our assumptions.

Now, I'm not saying it's going to be easy or straightforward; some folks might get upset or offended . But at the end of the day, if this sparks a national conversation about empathy, compassion, and what it means to welcome the stranger, then that's gotta be worth it

I'm low-key impressed by these US churches who are using satire to highlight the harsh realities faced by migrant families caught in the crossfire of Trump's immigration policies . It's not easy to tackle such sensitive topics, but I think it's amazing that they're speaking out and humanizing those who often get dehumanized by policies.

I mean, who wouldn't be moved by a nativity scene with baby Jesus wrapped in foil blankets like an ICE detainee? It's a powerful reminder of the senseless cruelty inflicted on vulnerable families. And I love how some churches are taking it a step further by replacing their traditional nativity scenes with signs that read "ICE was here" – it's a bold statement and I'm here for it .

Of course, not everyone will agree with these actions, but I think they're necessary reminders of the moral implications of Trump's policies. It's time to shine a light on the real fears and experiences of families in their communities, especially during this Christmas season when we're supposed to be spreading love and kindness .

️ so many ppl r saying churches shd just focus on faith n not politics but honestly its all about love nd kindness & how Trumps policies r hurting ppl especially vulnerable ones & we need 2 speak out against injustice ️ & show ppl Jesus' message of love n acceptance

I'm not surprised to see churches getting all up in Trump's grill like this... I mean, it's only a matter of time before someone puts their foot down and tells him that being a dictator isn't cool anymore . It's about time those nativity scenes came out and showed the world what's really going on with ICE - people are being treated like trash by the current administration . It's all too real, you know? The church displays might be seen as provocative, but honestly, it's just a wake-up call for some folks who have been sleeping on this issue . I'm not saying it's gonna change anything overnight, but at least now people are talking about it and that's what matters .

This is so needed right now ! These churches are using satire to bring attention to the harsh realities faced by immigrant families and it's genius . I mean, who wouldn't want to make fun of Trump's immigration policies? But seriously, it's amazing to see faith leaders speaking out against injustice and advocating for human rights. It's about time we started having these kinds of conversations at Christmas (and all year round!) . The nativity scenes are a great way to humanize those who are often dehumanized by policies aimed at controlling borders. We need more of this kind of resistance and less of the silence.

I think it's actually kinda genius that churches are using satire to highlight the harsh realities faced by immigrant families . It's like, Christmas is supposed to be all about love and peace, but Trump's policies are basically doing the opposite . By showing Jesus and his family as victims of ICE, they're making a point that can't be ignored. And honestly, if it makes people uncomfortable or sparks some hard conversations, then I'm totally here for it . It's about time we start talking about the real human cost of these policies . The debate might not be settled, but at least it's getting people thinking .