Churchgoers are angry: Church replaces Jesus with "ICE was here" in Nativity display, upsetting Catholics

A Massachusetts parish has stirred controversy after swapping out their traditional Christmas nativity for a provocative display referencing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). St. Susanna Parish in Dedham removed the usual figures of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, replacing them with a bold, handwritten sign declaring, "I.C.E. WAS HERE."

Below this sign, a smaller notice reads, "The Holy Family is safe in The Sanctuary of our Church," and includes contact information for the LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts. The message encourages people to report any sightings of ICE agents to the network.

Church Takes a Stand

The symbolism of the display is clear: the church is drawing attention to families affected by immigration enforcement. Rev. Stephen Josoma, the priest behind the idea, explained that the goal is to highlight the struggles of those in urgent need and to inspire compassion during the holiday season. "We're supposed to bring out the best of people in Christmas," he told local media.

St. Susanna is not new to using its nativity scene as a platform for social commentary, and other churches have done similar displays in past years, including in 2025.

Criticism from Some Catholic Leaders

Despite its intentions, the display has provoked outrage among certain groups. CJ Doyle, head of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, accused the church of "politicizing Christmas." Speaking to Fox News, he called the display offensive, claiming it trivializes the Holy Family and promotes a left-leaning political agenda.

The debate raises questions about where the line is drawn between faith, social activism, and politics, particularly when it comes to advocating for vulnerable communities like migrants.

Author’s Commentary: Faith Meets Social Advocacy

The recent display at St. Susanna Parish in Dedham has sparked a heated discussion about the intersection of religion and social activism. By replacing the traditional nativity with a sign referencing ICE, the parish aims to highlight the struggles faced by immigrant families under enforcement policies.

Rev. Stephen Josoma emphasized that the intention is to inspire compassion and provide resources to those in need, ensuring that the church remains a sanctuary for vulnerable communities. This approach aligns with past efforts by the parish to use holiday symbolism to draw attention to pressing social issues.

Critics argue that the display politicizes a religious tradition, with some seeing it as offensive to the faithful. Yet, the parish maintains that the core message is protection and support for families, not a political statement. The episode reflects broader debates about how religious spaces can engage with contemporary social challenges while balancing faith and advocacy.

Sources:

• “His worshipers are furious”: Church swaps Jesus for “ICE was here” nativity display message, and some Catholics are pissed

Author: Ethan Caldwell
Ethan Caldwell is an experienced reporter with 10 years covering international news. He specializes in politics and economics, with strong investigative journalism and analytical writing skills.