Satirical Christmas Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston
One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”