Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional 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 a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions 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 opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”