Church Nativity Scene Features Zip-Tied Baby Jesus, Roman Soldiers as ICE Agents

**Church Nativity Scene Features Zip-Tied Baby Jesus, Roman Soldiers as ICE Agents**

*Posted on December 1, 2025 by Morgana | Protestia*

Lake Street Church of Evanston is known for its progressive Christian theology, welcoming individuals from diverse religious denominations and traditions. Led by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf, the church is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches in the USA and proudly embraces a non-creedal tradition and a unique church covenant.

This year, the church’s Nativity scene has sparked conversation and controversy. The display features baby Jesus zip-tied in his cradle, surrounded by Roman soldiers who also appear as ICE agents. According to the church, “this installation reimagines the nativity as a scene of forced family separation, drawing direct parallels between the Holy Family’s refugee experience and contemporary immigration detention practices.”

The church further explains:

> “By placing the Christmas story—Christianity’s central narrative of refuge, sanctuary, and sacred family—within the visual language of immigration enforcement and detention, this work asks viewers to confront the disconnect between professed religious or moral values and immigration policies. The emergency blanket references the actual materials used in detention facilities.”

The zip ties on the infant’s wrists directly reference a recent incident during an ICE raid on a Chicago apartment building, where children—most of whom were U.S. citizens—were reportedly zip-tied by agents. The installation serves as a stark reminder that enforcement actions can affect all families, regardless of documentation status.

Additionally, the gas masks worn by Mary and Joseph are symbolic:

> “The gas masks worn by Mary and Joseph reference the documented use of tear gas and other chemical weapons deployed by ICE agents against peaceful protesters, journalists, and community members advocating for immigration reform and bearing witness to human rights abuses within the system.”

Lake Street Church’s artistic statement invites viewers to reflect on the realities of family separation and the broader impact of immigration enforcement policies, using the Nativity scene to challenge the audience’s understanding of refuge, sanctuary, and family—both in history and in contemporary society.

*Read more at [protestia.com](http://protestia.com)*

**Topics:** Evangelical Christian

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https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/4355521/posts

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