“ICE Was Here” Nativity at St. Susanna in Dedham Sparks Clash Between Parish, Boston Archdiocese and ICE
A Nativity at St. Susanna in Dedham replaces the Holy Family with a cardboard sign reading “ICE was here,” provoking rebukes from the Archdiocese and ICE while parish leaders defend the display as solidarity with migrants.
- Empty manger, pointed message: Statues of the Holy Family are missing and a sign reads “ICE was here,” with a smaller placard directing people to LUCE and the reporting line 617‑370‑5023; source: WBUR.
- Pastor’s intent: Father Stephen Josoma says the installation reflects refugee fears and is meant as an act of solidarity, not partisan campaigning (WBUR).
- Institutional rebuke: The Archdiocese called the display “politically divisive” and asked that sacred objects be reserved for worship (WBUR).
- ICE objects: Acting Boston ICE director Todd Lyons said the sign “adds to a dangerous narrative” and joined the Archdiocese in requesting removal (WBUR).
The display and how it looks
St. Susanna’s outdoor crèche is notable for its absence: the statues of Jesus, Mary and Joseph are not present. In the manger sits a cardboard sign that reads “ICE was here.” Nearby a smaller placard states: “The Holy Family is safe in our Church … If you see ICE please call LUCE at 617‑370‑5023.” The parish attributes the concept to conversations with refugee families and activists. Source: WBUR.
Father Stephen Josoma’s intent
Father Josoma, pastor of St. Susanna, says he designed the scene after talking with refugee families his parish supports. He framed the installation as an effort to bring the lived experience of migrants into a religious symbol to prompt moral reflection, calling it an act of solidarity amid fears of deportation among people from Honduras, Guatemala, Afghanistan and elsewhere (WBUR).
Boston Archdiocese response
The Archdiocese of Boston issued a statement labeling the Nativity a “politically divisive display” and urged the parish to restore the crèche to its “proper sacred purpose.” The Archdiocese emphasized that Catholics expect churches to provide spaces for prayer and worship, not political messaging, and noted that St. Susanna did not seek permission for this presentation. The statement referenced the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ positions balancing humane treatment of migrants with border security and cautioned against dehumanizing rhetoric toward both immigrants and law enforcement (WBUR).
ICE’s objection and concern for officers
“The sign adds to a dangerous narrative,”
said Todd Lyons, acting Boston field office director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, who joined the Archdiocese in asking for removal. ICE officials and supporters expressed concern that portraying the agency as the antagonist could harm public safety and the morale of officers who carry out lawful duties (WBUR).
St. Susanna’s decision to keep the scene
Despite objections, parish leaders at St. Susanna say they will keep the “ICE was here” sign in place. Father Josoma pointed to a parish record of using the Nativity as political art: in 2018 a baby Jesus in a cage protested family‑separation policies; other years addressed gun violence and climate change. Josoma frames the work as moral protest rather than electoral advocacy (WBUR).
Voices of critics inside the church
Conservative Catholic activists and some parishioners criticized the display. C.J. Doyle, head of the Catholic Action League, called it “sacrilegious” political theater after receiving complaints and described Father Josoma as a “dissident priest” whose actions exploit the Holy Family to advance a left‑wing agenda. The dispute reflects broader internal tensions about whether parish ministries should stage confrontational political artwork within worship spaces (WBUR).
How this fits into U.S. Catholic immigration debates
The incident highlights a recurring split: institutional leaders (dioceses and the USCCB) try to balance advocacy for migrants with liturgical norms and respect for law, while some parish priests and lay communities press for bolder actions to defend migrants. That tension produces nationwide debates over the proper role of churches in public policy conflicts (WBUR).
History of similar Nativity controversies
St. Susanna is among several U.S. parishes that have used Christmas displays to make political points. Its record — including the 2018 capped‑baby Nativity — drew national attention. Dioceses across the country have wrestled with where pastoral witness ends and partisan messaging begins, and how to respect diverse political views among Catholics (WBUR).
Implications for the United States
Economic impact: The dispute is unlikely to have direct economic effects, though prolonged protests, legal complaints or increased security needs could strain small parish budgets. The LUCE phone line referenced in the display reflects a shift of resources toward local monitoring and advocacy efforts (analysis based on local reporting).
Political consequences: The episode may feed national conversations about immigration, law enforcement and the politicization of sacred spaces, potentially becoming a talking point for campaigns stressing rule of law or for activists pushing immigrant‑friendly policies.
Social effects: The scene may deepen divisions where parishes serve diverse communities: refugee families may feel affirmed, while other parishioners may view the use of sacred imagery as coercive. The incident could complicate trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
Cultural relevance & practical applications: The display raises questions about religious expression in public life and may prompt dioceses to re‑examine display permissions, while civic leaders and law enforcement might engage more with faith communities to reduce tensions.
Reporting note
This article draws on coverage and official statements reported by WBUR. See full reporting here.
