Satirical Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”