Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible role played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political frame draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

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

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one display. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”