Satirical Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE
Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Messages Spread Nationwide
These visual protests reflect the visible part played by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency officials.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws attention to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”
