Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

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

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At another church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”