Satirical Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique hardline government immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked 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 nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.
Messages Echo Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and government officials.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.
It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
