Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”