Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”