Story perspectives

Church Nativity Scene Sparks Debate on Immigration Issues

12/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois, displays a Nativity scene with Jesus zip-tied and guarded by figures resembling ICE agents.
The display links the Holy Family's refugee experience to modern immigration issues.
Mary wears a respirator mask while the display references ICE actions.
Social media reactions are mixed, with some praising the artwork and others criticizing.
Rev. Michael Woolf, the church's senior minister, was arrested during a protest against ICE.

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Story summary

Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois, displays a Nativity scene with Jesus zip-tied and guarded by figures resembling ICE agents.
The display links the Holy Family's refugee experience to modern immigration issues.
Mary wears a respirator mask while the display references ICE actions.
Social media reactions are mixed, with some praising the artwork and others criticizing.
Rev. Michael Woolf, the church's senior minister, was arrested during a protest against ICE.