Nativity Scene Sparks Controversy with ‘ICE Was Here’ Message in Boston Church
A provocative Nativity display at a Boston-area church has ignited a national debate over the intersection of faith, politics, and immigration policy. Since November 29th, Santa Susanna Church in Dedham, Massachusetts, has drawn both praise and condemnation for replacing the traditional Holy Family with a sign reading “ICE was here,” referencing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
The display is the latest in a series of politically charged Nativity scenes orchestrated by the parish’s pastor, Father Stephen Josoma. In 2018, the infant Jesus was depicted inside a cage, a direct response to the Trump administration’s family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border. The year prior, the backdrop behind the Holy Family featured numbers and locations of recent mass shootings across the United States.
This year’s iteration includes a smaller note stating, “The Holy Family is safe in the Sanctuary of our Church,” accompanied by a phone number for reporting sightings of ICE agents. The move has resonated deeply with some, while others view it as a misuse of sacred imagery. “Finally a Catholic Church that fights for human rights,” one user commented on the parish’s Facebook page, which has been flooded with both supportive and critical messages. Conversely, others argued, “It seems to me that the Nativity scene should not be used for political or progressive propaganda,” as one commenter stated.
The display comes as increased immigration enforcement efforts have been underway in the Boston area, mirroring similar operations in cities like Chicago. According to Father Josoma, the intention was to “stimulate dialogue, not cause a stir,” emphasizing that societal divisions stem from “policies and unjust laws of the current U.S. administration.”
On December 5th, the Archdiocese of Boston requested the removal of the sign, citing a lack of prior approval. In a statement, archdiocese officials asserted that parishioners “have the right to expect to find authentic opportunities for Catholic prayer and worship, not political messages that create division.” Church doctrine, they added, “prohibits the use of sacred objects for any purpose other than the devotion of the people of God,” and images of the Baby Jesus “must be used exclusively to promote faith and devotion.”
The acting director of ICE, Todd Lyons, labeled the Nativity scene “absolutely repugnant” and part of a “dangerous narrative” contributing to a rise in assaults against agents, as reported by the Boston Herald. Despite the archdiocese’s request, the sign remains in place, as Father Josoma maintains he has not received a formal written demand for its removal.
“I told the auxiliary bishop of Boston, Robert Reed, that I would wait to receive it before making any decision,” Father Josoma wrote in a message reported by The Boston Globe. “I will consult with my parish council before making any decision.” The controversy underscores the growing tension between religious institutions and political activism, and the challenges of navigating sensitive social issues within a sacred space.
