A Catholic parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, is at the center of a national debate after replacing its traditional Nativity scene with a controversial display aimed at protesting ICE. By removing the Holy Family and substituting them with a sign that reads “ICE was here,” St. Susanna Parish has ignited a fierce local and national discussion over the appropriate intersection of religious expression and political activism, drawing both strong support and sharp criticism.
Story Highlights
- A Massachusetts church used its Nativity scene to protest ICE, sparking local outrage.
- The display replaced the Holy Family with a sign reading “ICE was here,” causing division.
- Supporters see it as a moral stance, while critics call it an inappropriate politicization.
- The incident underscores ongoing tensions between religious expression and political activism.
Controversial Nativity Scene Sparks Outrage
In Dedham, Massachusetts, St. Susanna Parish has become the center of controversy after replacing its traditional Nativity scene with a provocative display. The church removed the Holy Family and replaced them with a sign reading “ICE was here,” accompanied by a banner asking “Peace on Earth?” This act has divided the local community, drawing both support from immigrant-rights advocates and criticism from those who view it as a misuse of religious symbols.
Rev. Steve Josoma, the parish priest, explained that the display aims to draw parallels between the Biblical story of the Holy Family as refugees and the plight of modern immigrants targeted by ICE deportations. While some parishioners support this message, others argue it politicizes a sacred tradition. As media coverage amplifies the story, St. Susanna finds itself at the heart of a national debate over the role of churches in social justice issues.
Boston area church replaced Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus with "ICE Was Here" sign in their Nativity Scene https://t.co/KiTrbaN5Ij pic.twitter.com/Rmv5UDQq8l
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) December 5, 2025
Background and Context
The Dedham church’s decision to use its Nativity scene as a platform for political expression is part of a larger trend among religious organizations. Many faith communities, including Catholic and Protestant churches, have used religious art to comment on social issues. The display’s timing during the Advent and Christmas season ensures maximum visibility, drawing attention to the contentious topic of U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration. This effort is part of a wider “ICE Nativity” trend, where churches reimagine the Nativity to critique immigration enforcement practices.
Historically, the Nativity scene represents the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, with the subsequent Flight into Egypt interpreted as the Holy Family fleeing state violence. By drawing connections between this narrative and contemporary immigration issues, the church seeks to engage viewers in a moral conversation about how society treats refugees and migrants.
Impact and Implications
The Dedham Nativity display has had both immediate and long-term effects. In the short term, it has sparked local controversy and polarized the community, with some viewing it as a powerful call for solidarity with immigrants, while others see it as a disrespectful political statement. By including a hotline number for reporting ICE activity, the church has also increased visibility for immigrant-rights resources.
Long-term, the display contributes to an ongoing pattern of using religious symbols for social critique, potentially influencing how churches engage with political issues. It reinforces the view of Jesus and the Holy Family as refugees, framing immigration policy as a theological concern. This may shape lay Catholic attitudes and push the church towards more active involvement in immigration advocacy.
Watch the report: ‘ICE was here’: Mass. church sparks outrage over nativity scene with political message
Sources:
- ICE Nativity scenes: Churches reimagine Christmas story amid deportations
- Outrage after church replaces Biblical figures in Nativity scene with sign saying ‘ICE was here’ | The Independent
- Church sparks controversy with empty Nativity scene and ICE enforcement message: ‘Politicizing Christmas’
