Satirical Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season 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.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various religious and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”