Satirical Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE
Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Messages Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
For the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging 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 display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”
