Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when 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.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context draws attention to current government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”