Satirical Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to current government agendas. They contend that the family's status as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors 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 engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over 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 actions.”