Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus 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 church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community 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,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Messages Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government officials.
Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”
