Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston
One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and government officials.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
For those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.
It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”