Satirical Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries 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 displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws attention to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

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 challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”