Archdiocese of Boston says ‘ICE was here’ Nativity scene violates norms for sacred imagery

The Archdiocese of Boston is calling for the removal of a politicized nativity display at St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, describing the scene as a violation of the Church’s norms for sacred objects. The usual figures of Mary, Joseph and the Christ child are missing from the outdoor nativity display at the parish and have been replaced by a sign reading “ICE was here,” a reference to U.S. immigration enforcement.

The display features an empty manger, as well as a sign about ICE, and another sign that reads, “The Holy Family is safe in the Sanctuary of our Church… If you see ICE please call LUCE,” referencing a migrant-rights hotline. ---More...

Saint Susanna Parish in Massachusetts is displaying a Nativity scene with an empty manger and a sign that reads, “ICE was here,” along with contact info for a group that monitors local immigration enforcement.

Stop using our religion for your activism.

This is disgusting.

Saint Susanna Parish in Massachusetts is displaying a Nativity scene with an empty manger and a sign that reads, “ICE was here,” along with contact info for a group that monitors local immigration enforcement.

Stop using our religion for your activism. pic.twitter.com/c1JabTkXjx

— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote)December 4, 2025