Satirical Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that mock hardline government immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Statements Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency officials.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame draws focus to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of working family members.
This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”
