🔗 Share this article Satirical Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities. An Evocative Retelling in Evanston One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints. Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.” “The holiday season is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays. Messages Spread Nationwide These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in other states. In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and agency officials. Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones. This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis. Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.” In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities. An Evocative Retelling in Evanston One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints. Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.” “The holiday season is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays. Messages Spread Nationwide These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in other states. In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and agency officials. Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones. This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis. Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.” In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”