Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears 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 displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays 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 sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”