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: Ethan Caldwell