Satirical Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration policies. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”