Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

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

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”