Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE
Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston
One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and agency leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.
It is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
