Satirical Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

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

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”