Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE
Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from both religious and government officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working family members.
It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”
