Satirical Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various religious and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”