Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary 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 nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple 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 opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

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

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”