Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”