Satirical Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of 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 display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”