Satirical Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”