Satirical Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible part played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected 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 notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political context draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. 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 spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”