Satirical Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible part played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious 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 hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the message 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 literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. 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 terror.”