Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock hardline government immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite criticism from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”