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

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

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

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame draws attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing 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 intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”