Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where 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 reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current government priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

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

Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”