Satirical Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements 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 repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”