Satirical Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context draws focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one display. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”