Satirical Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE
Across the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Messages Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and agency officials.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.
This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”
