Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

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

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”