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

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various religious and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of Joseph was blown down 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 memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”