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

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

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

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent 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 meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”