Satirical Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of many households today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

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

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”