DHS official says church's Nativity scene depicts what 'never happens' in immigration enforcement
The Department of Homeland Precaution DHS stated on Friday that a church's reinterpretation of a Nativity scene that reportedly intended to disturb passersby this Christmas is an example of what's contributing to increases in assaults on ICE An art display of the Nativity scene at the Missiongathering church in Charlotte North Carolina reportedly depicted Jesus Mary and Joseph with masked immigration agents wearing bulletproof vests and carrying handcuffs The goal is to translate the Christmas story into a modern context Rev Andrew Shipley stated The Charlotte Observer If the Holy Family had been in Charlotte two weeks ago they would have been putting the baby Jesus in handcuffs because he wouldn t have his papers Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described Fox News Digital that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is not zip-tying infants or children SENATOR WARNS OF 'POWDER KEG' AS PEOPLE CONDONE BEHAVIOR OF ANTI-ICE PROTESTERS Not only is this nativity scene offensive to Christians but it is also depicting something that despite what Rev Shipley says NEVER happens McLaughlin mentioned to Fox News Digital According to The Charlotte Observer Missiongathering Church criticized immigration enforcement and the church pastor s goal was to force viewers to confront the fear a large number of immigrant families in Charlotte felt following current immigration arrests in the city The installation displays the biblical account of Mary Joseph and Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem with the addition of figures dressed as ICE agents Shipley described the paper the depiction mirrors what immigrant families are experiencing in the current era He stated the church had been helping people who were afraid after U S Customs and Edge Protection arrived in the city The installation was reportedly created by an artist group called TaskForce which has been involved in similar installations across the country The group reportedly contacted the church by phone and email with the idea enlisting local artists to build the display NEW JERSEY TWINS CHARGED IN THREATS TO KILL DHS OFFICIAL SHOOT ICE ON SIGHT The goal is to disturb to make people feel something Shipley mentioned What s been happening to Charlotte families is disturbing and is graphic and horrifying McLaughlin explained further that such demonization of law enforcement is contributing to a more than increase in assaults on ICE Get a grip and seek help McLaughlin added DHS reported last month that assaults and violent attacks against ICE law enforcement officers have surged more than compared to the same period last year under the Biden administration EDGE CZAR TOM HOMAN FIRES BACK AT CNN HOST IN DEFENSE OF ICE TACTICS 'THEY'VE BEEN SHOT AT'ICE has increased arrests since President Donald Trump returned to the White House Missiongathering Church did not forthwith respond to Fox News Digital s request for comment Other churches around the country have also used Nativity scenes to criticize ICE and highlight immigration issues A similar reinterpretation of the Nativity scene appeared at Lake Street Church of Evanston Illinois depicting baby Jesus with his hands zip-tied and guarded by figures styled as ICE agents Another Nativity scene at St Susanna Parish in Dedham Massachusetts prompted calls for removal from the acting ICE director and the Archdiocese of Boston
