Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to 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 those affected of enforcement terror.”