Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

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

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws attention to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”