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

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and realities of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

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