An Evanston church is getting a lot of attention for its Nativity scene showing a zip-tied Baby Jesus.
Staff and volunteers set up the display outside Lake Street Church with the child wrapped in a thermal blanket in front of Mary and Joseph wearing gas masks and Roman soldiers in ICE vests.
Associate Minister Jillian Westerfield says it was inspired by the immigration raid on a South Shore apartment building in September.
“That really showed the sort of enforcement terror that we were experiencing in Chicago and Chicagoland doesn’t discriminate based on your documentation. It can happen to anyone,” she told WBBM.
The church’s post on Facebook showing the scene last week has evoked strong reactions in support and against.
“No one seems neutral on it. People are either really moved by it in a sort of good way or they’re very very upset,” she said.
The zip tie and respirators were gone when WBBM visited on Tuesday morning.
Westerfield says she doesn’t know what happened to them but plans to replace them.