Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

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

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when 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 displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and realities of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”