Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features 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 wrists secured by zip-ties.
Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.
Messages Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and government officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
