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

Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that mock aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these displays, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

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