Satirical Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger 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 hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

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

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.

It is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”