Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique hardline federal immigration policies. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern political context draws focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”