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

Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”