“ICE was here” Nativity at St. Susanna in Dedham Sparks Clash Between Parish, Boston Archdiocese and ICE
An empty Nativity at St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, bearing a sign reading “ICE was here” and a LUCE hotline has ignited a local dispute between parish leaders, the Boston Archdiocese and ICE’s Boston office over politicized sacred imagery.
- Display: An empty manger with a large sign reading “ICE was here” plus a smaller placard directing people to a LUCE hotline.
- Institutional pushback: The WBUR and Fox News report the Boston Archdiocese and ICE Boston objected to the display.
- Parish stance: St. Susanna’s peace and justice group defends the scene as pastoral witness and protection for migrants.
What the display shows
The setup: The Nativity outside St. Susanna omitted the traditional figures — Jesus, Mary and Joseph — leaving an empty manger with a bold sign reading “ICE was here”. A smaller placard reads, “The Holy Family is safe in our Church … If you see ICE please call LUCE at 617-370-5023.”
Parish perspective: faith, safety and witness
Organizers’ intent: St. Susanna’s peace and justice committee says the annual Nativity asks parishioners to consider, “If Christ were born into today’s world, what would he be facing?” For 2025 the parish focused on immigration enforcement after conversations with refugee and immigrant families from countries including Honduras, Guatemala and Afghanistan. (See WBUR.)
Father Stephen Josoma described parishioners’ fears about stepped-up deportations and the trauma carried by families who fled violence. The parish argues the display places the Holy Family’s story in the context of modern migrants and continues a history of Nativity displays that highlight social issues (gun violence, climate change, immigration). In 2018 the parish drew attention for a Nativity that showed baby Jesus in a cage to protest family separation policies.
Archdiocese response: misuse of sacred objects, call for removal
Official criticism: The Archdiocese of Boston publicly criticized the display and requested its removal, saying St. Susanna did not obtain permission for this setup and that church norms prohibit using sacred objects “for purposes other than worship.” The archdiocese acknowledged Catholic teaching calls for humane treatment of migrants but warned against dehumanizing law enforcement or politicizing sacred symbols. (Reported by WBUR.)
ICE response: “dangerous narrative,” concern for officers’ safety
Statement from ICE: Todd Lyons, acting field office director for ICE Boston, said the “ICE was here” sign and hotline feed a “dangerous narrative” that frames immigration officers as villains and could undermine public understanding of ICE’s legal role. Lyons and spokespeople warned the portrayal risks stoking hostility toward officers carrying out duties established by Congress. (Coverage: Fox News, WBUR.)
Critics from faith and civic groups
Conservative objections: Groups such as the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts criticized the display as politicizing Christmas and demeaning law enforcement. C.J. Doyle, the league’s executive director, said parishioners complained that traditional Holy Family figures were removed and replaced by a message that equates ICE with persecutors of the Holy Family. (Reported by Fox News.)
Supporters: pastoral care and solidarity
Support within parish and social-justice circles: Backers say the display is an act of pastoral care that reflects Gospel concern for migrants and the marginalized, a way to “pray with our eyes open.”em> For families who have experienced raids or live with deportation fears, the scene is intended to encourage solidarity and to point people to resources like the LUCE hotline. The parish notes its long-standing refugee ministries as context for the display. (See reporting by WBUR.)
Parish decision: display to stay up for now
Despite the archdiocese’s request and public objections, St. Susanna’s leaders say they will keep the “ICE was here” sign in place. Father Josoma and the peace and justice group maintain the display is an honest response to parishioners’ fears and, in their view, a faithful application of Catholic social teaching.
Context: St. Susanna’s history of political Nativity art
St. Susanna has for more than a decade used its Nativity to highlight social concerns — gun control, climate change and immigration policy among them. The parish’s 2018 display that showed baby Jesus in a cage drew national attention and set a precedent for using religious art to make moral and political points. (Coverage: WBUR.)
Sources and reporting
This report is based on coverage by WBUR and Fox News, which documented the display and statements from parish leaders, the Archdiocese of Boston and ICE Boston’s acting field office director.
Implications for Las Vegas
Economic impact: Las Vegas’ tourism-dependent economy values a stable public image; high-profile religion-and-immigration controversies can ripple into debates about hospitality and safety. Similar displays or reactions in Las Vegas could affect visitor perceptions if local faith groups attract national attention.
Political consequences: Local leaders in Las Vegas may be pressured to balance support for law enforcement with protections for vulnerable residents. The Dedham dispute illustrates tensions that could surface in city council and state-level races about sanctuary policies and cooperation with federal immigration agents.
Social effects: With many immigrant families in Las Vegas, displays like the “ICE was here” Nativity can heighten fear while also galvanizing support networks and increasing demand for legal aid, hotlines and pastoral care during the holidays.
Cultural relevance: Faith communities in Las Vegas may debate whether to adopt similar visual statements or prefer quieter advocacy to avoid alienating members who favor devotional expressions.
Practical applications for residents
- Churches and community groups should communicate plans for public displays and seek diocesan or denominational guidance.
- Agencies offering immigrant legal services should publicize hotline numbers and resources widely.
- Local law enforcement, faith leaders and community groups can host town halls to build trust and clarify roles ahead of potential tensions.
Notable quote
“If Christ were born into today’s world, what would he be facing?” — Father Stephen Josoma, St. Susanna Parish, on the pastoral intent behind the display.
Keywords: ICE was here Nativity Dedham, St. Susanna Parish controversy, Boston Archdiocese ICE Nativity
