Massachusetts Church Replaces Baby Jesus with ‘ICE Was Here’ Sign in Bold Nativity Display
A nativity scene at Saint Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, has replaced Baby Jesus with a sign reading 'ICE WAS HERE'. The display aims to highlight current immigration issues and the actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This is not the first time the parish has used its Christmas scene to spark conversation. The parish, led by Father Stephen Josoma, has a history of provocative nativity displays. In 2018, Baby Jesus was placed inside a black metal cage to draw attention to immigration detention policies. Five years earlier, in 2017, Josoma first introduced a politically charged scene at the same church. Father Josoma has explained that these displays are meant to 'hold a mirror to the world'. He supports building a welcoming community for immigrants and uses the nativity scene as a way to challenge public perception. The latest installation continues this tradition by focusing on the impact of ICE operations. The church’s approach has drawn both criticism and support in past years. Each display is designed to provoke thought rather than simply celebrate tradition. This year’s nativity scene replaces the infant Jesus with a bold statement about immigration enforcement. The parish has consistently used its Christmas display to address social issues. Father Josoma’s latest installation keeps the focus on real-world struggles faced by immigrant communities.
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