Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”