Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both religious and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented 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 message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”