Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible role played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current government agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”