Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

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

Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”