Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when 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 Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and realities of many households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”