Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock hardline government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood 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 say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these displays, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”