Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas 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 behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very difficult 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 way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”