Baby Jesus Handcuffed and “Guarded” by ICE: Nativity Scene in Illinois Sparks Controversy

Controversial nativity scene provokes public backlash

Scene alludes to U.S. migration policy

Church defends its moral message

A Christian church in the Chicago area sparked intense controversy after unveiling a nativity scene inspired by the Trump Administration’s migration policy, featuring Baby Jesus handcuffed and wrapped in foil like detainees in immigration centers, and the Virgin Mary wearing a tear-gas mask.

Leaders of the Lake Street Baptist Church in Evanston asked themselves: “If Jesus were born in the United States right now, what would his manger look like?”

The installation seeks to connect the sacred story with contemporary realities.

Nativity scene in Illinois ignites public controversy

#MundoDCA | A nativity scene ‘guarded’ by ICE and showing Baby Jesus in handcuffs sparks controversy in Chicago.

A Christian church in the Chicago (Illinois) area has sparked controversy with a nativity scene inspired by the Trump Administration’s migration policy featuring the newborn… pic.twitter.com/EDstQA6dVZ

— Diario de Centro América (@DiariodeCA) December 9, 2025

According to associate minister Jillian Westerfield, they began discussing how to represent what was happening and found parallels with the biblical narrative of a migrant family fleeing persecution by King Herod.

The setup departs sharply from traditional Christmas imagery.

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In Evanston, the portrayals are harsher—and many people have been offended.

Mary and Joseph appear with masks to protect themselves from tear gas.

Baby Jesus is bound and wrapped in an aluminum blanket like those used in immigration detention facilities.

Controversial nativity scene provokes public backlash – Photo Efe

Nearby, masked centurions wearing green vests labeled “ICE” stand guard.

The controversy arises in a context in which, according to the description included with the installation, Trump has strengthened his migration policy since January with increased detentions, deportations, expanded ICE authority, and restrictions on asylum.

Westerfield stated that the goal was to reimagine the nativity as a scene of forced family separation.

She also drew parallels between the Holy Family’s flight and contemporary detention practices.

She recalled that, according to the Bible, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s persecution.

The minister said that the bound Baby Jesus references scenes witnessed in Chicago during the “Midwest Blitz” operation.

She explained that the masks on Mary and Joseph allude to the use of chemical agents by the federal government in Chicago and Evanston.

She added that even children preparing for a Halloween parade had been affected by the gas.

“No one should be treated that way,” she said.

Criticism, damage, and a growing debate

Nativity scene in Illinois sparks public controversy — Photo: EFE

Westerfield acknowledged that the nativity displays disturbing images.

However, she emphasized that the real concern should be what many people experience in reality.

Some critics called the installation “heresy” and “blasphemous.”

Someone even removed Mary’s mask and the zip ties from Baby Jesus, and the church had to replace them.

The minister insisted that the objective is not political, but moral.

She noted that it is not a problem caused by any one party or administration, but a long-standing issue.

She said the nativity aims to highlight the escalation of violence in communities.

“The mistreatment of immigrants has dragged on for many decades,” she stressed.

A call for reflection and action

Reverend Michael Woolf, the head of the church, said he hopes the discomfort caused by the installation inspires reflection on migrant families fleeing violence.

He also pointed out that such families face separation, detention, and dehumanization.

He added that his hope is that the conversation motivates people to take action, regardless of their faith.

The church, which defines itself as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants and an independent congregation with Baptist roots, has previously created nativity scenes featuring controversial messages.

In 2023, the scene depicted Baby Jesus surrounded by rubble, referencing civilians trapped in the Gaza war.