Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”