Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas displays have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”