Satirical Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas displays are on display that mock aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”