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

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions 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,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from various religious and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”