Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE
Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that mock hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation 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 often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.
Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various religious and government leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context draws attention to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”