Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE
Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These visual protests reflect the visible role played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite criticism from both religious and agency leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
According to the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to current government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.
This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”