Satirical Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique hardline government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

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

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”