“ICE was here” Nativity in Dedham Sparks Archdiocese Demand

What the display shows

St. Susanna’s outdoor Nativity removes traditional figures — Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus — leaving an empty manger with a large sign that reads “ICE was here.” A secondary sign reads, “The Holy Family is safe in our Church … If you see ICE please call LUCE at 617‑370‑5023.” Photographs and reporting documenting the setup are available from outlets including CBS Boston, WBUR and The Independent.

St. Susanna’s history of political Nativity art

This parish has a documented pattern of using its Christmas display to comment on public issues. In 2017 the manger listed mass‑shooting locations and death tolls; in 2018 baby Jesus appeared in a cage as a protest against family separations at the U.S.–Mexico border. Those past displays attracted national attention and controversy, establishing St. Susanna as a known site for provocative seasonal statements.

Why the parish says it put up the display

Pastor Fr. Stephen Josoma and the parish’s peace-and-justice group say the idea was to “take a picture of the world as it is and put it together with the Christmas message.” The parish notes its work resettling families from Honduras, Guatemala and Afghanistan and says many parishioners fear deportations could return loved ones to danger. Leaders describe the scene as religious art intended to move people and inspire compassion.

Archdiocese of Boston demands removal

The Archdiocese issued a public statement condemning the display and requesting its removal, arguing parishioners seek prayer and worship — not “divisive political messaging.” The statement emphasized that sacred objects such as manger scenes should be used for devotion, not protest, and noted the parish did not seek permission to deviate from Archdiocesan norms. The Archdiocese also reiterated Catholic teaching calling for humane treatment of migrants while acknowledging a state’s authority to regulate borders.

Parish response and internal debate

Fr. Josoma confirmed the display is authentic and intentional but declined some on‑camera interviews. Parish leaders said the scene would be discussed at a scheduled meeting but, at the time of reporting, planned to keep it in place despite the Archdiocese’s request. Reaction among congregants is mixed: some strongly support the message as faithful witness; others say a church yard is not the right place for political protest.

ICE and law‑enforcement criticism

Local ICE‑aligned voices and law‑enforcement advocates criticized the display as unfair and divisive, arguing it dehumanizes officers and casts enforcement as inherently abusive. Reporting links backlash to Boston ICE leadership, including the Field Office director, though direct, on‑the‑record comments from Director Todd Lyons about this specific display were not widely available in initial coverage. Conservative critics such as C.J. Doyle of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts labeled the nativity “divisive” and inappropriate for Christmas.

Support from Catholic justice groups

Groups like Pax Christi USA praised the display as a prophetic witness aligned with Catholic social teaching. Supporters contend Christian art has long used the Nativity to call attention to the lowliest and poor, and reimagining the Holy Family as migrants fits that tradition.

Media coverage and public reaction

Local and national outlets — including CBS Boston, WBUR, Fox News and The Independent — highlighted symbolism and timing amid intensified deportation operations. Online reaction is sharply divided: some call the scene powerful and faithful to Gospel values; others call it sacrilegious and inappropriate for Christmas.

Implications for San Diego

Although the incident occurred in Massachusetts, it has practical and political relevance for other cities with large immigrant populations, including San Diego:

• Economic impact: Local social‑service providers and legal clinics may see renewed demand for know‑your‑rights resources and hotlines; businesses that rely on immigrant labor could be affected by enforcement shifts.
• Political consequences: The episode could prompt renewed statements from city officials and influence campaign messaging on sanctuary policies and cooperation with federal authorities.
• Social effects: Faith communities may face debates over prophetic witness versus pastoral unity; the controversy could spur interfaith conversations, protests or solidarity actions.
• Cultural relevance: Reimagining the Holy Family as migrants is especially resonant in border communities with large Catholic populations; some parishes may emulate the approach while others avoid politicized imagery.
• Practical takeaways: Residents should know local legal aid and immigrant‑rights resources; faith leaders planning public displays might review diocesan guidelines to prevent conflicts.

Sources and further reading

Reporting and commentary on the display are available from the following outlets:

• CBS Boston: “Dedham parish displays ‘ICE was here’ sign at nativity scene, Archdiocese demands removal”
• WBUR: “Mass. parish displays empty nativity and ‘ICE was here’ sign”
• Fox News: “Church sparks controversy with empty nativity scene, ‘ICE was here’ message”
• The Independent: “Mass. church sign ‘ICE was here’ replaces Holy Family”
• Pax Christi USA: “ICE was here at the manger”

Reporting includes interviews with parish leaders and Archdiocesan statements; direct, on‑the‑record quotes from ICE Boston Field Office Director Todd Lyons about this specific display were not widely available in initial coverage.