Satirical Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on hardline government immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”