Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame helps bring focus to current government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”