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Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE
Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests 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 conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.
It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one display. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
Shane Waters
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