Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that mock hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled 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 conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

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

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”