Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”