Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and Magi. 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 time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”