Satirical Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE
Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display 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 seclusion.”
“Christmas is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the visible role played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame draws attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.
It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements
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 very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”