Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”