Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”