Satirical Christmas Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”