'ICE was here': Massachusetts church displays message in Nativity scene

[demmiblue]

DEDHAM, Mass (WPRI) — A Nativity display at a church in Dedham, Massachusetts, is sparking a debate.

The display outside Saint Susanna Parish now features a sign that reads “ICE was here” instead of the figures of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

Below it, another message claims “the holy family is safe in our church” and instructs people to call a number if they see immigration agents.

The priest behind the setup said it’s meant to draw attention to people in need, while critics call it inappropriate.

Rev. Stephen Josoma created the scene, noting that it’s to get people thinking about how immigrants are treated, especially during the holiday season.

https://www.wpri.com/new-england/massachusetts/ice-was-here-massachusetts-church-displays-message-in-nativity-scene/

[JBTaurus83]

1. All churches

Should be doing things like this. There is nothing “inappropriate”.

[summer_in_TX]

5. Many Christian churches are doing something

Our church in a rural town in CentralTexas has signs declaring our property private, and that it will take a judicial signed warrant before we permit IC on our premises. We have added information to our website missions area about no Your Rights for immigrants and we printed up some of the red cards to distribute.

Our Bishop, Cynthia Harvey, has called on all United Methodist churches in the Texas and Rio Grande conferences to minister to immigrants. We would’ve done it without that call, because scripture demands that we treat immigrants as ourselves.

The Trump administration has done more to interfere with the rights of people of faith to practice their religion according to their conscience than any previous administration.

We are one of many denominations that are suing the government because of that.

That particular churches nativity display is terrific.

[hoosierspud]

10. Our UMC church in Spokane

Is taking a similar stand.

[Amaryllis]

9. ICE is inappropriate if you want to label something here as inappropriate. Not the churches.

[Tanuki]

2. Father Steve's statement to Pax Christi:

Well worth reading in its entirety:

https://paxchristiusa.org/2025/12/03/ice-was-here-at-the-manger/

...."“It is reported that ICE is specifically targeting churches this season from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It is also reported that that the majority of these deportations are of people who have no criminal records. People in our parish have known targeted people- one who served time in prison and led an exemplary life afterwards serving those re-entering society after being released from prison.

“We also have had the privilege of assisting 10 refugee families resettle in the area since 2018 ( from Burundi, Afghanistan, Honduras, Guatemala and Myanmar). These families have all experienced trauma (witnessing family members being killed, etc.) and carry both physical and emotional scars that will be with them for a long time. They come seeking a place of safety, and a chance to heal and live their lives in peace. Assisting these families in resettlement and accompanying them on their journey has touched and transformed many of the members of our Refugee Resettlement Collaborative over the years.

“Some of these people are now worried that despite following all the rules to date that the current administration is retroactively changing the rules and putting them at risk of being deported to places where they would face certain violence, if not death. (As I mentioned, one man has already died after being returned to his place of birth.)

“Of course this is all being carried out by the masked men in unmarked cars. While they have not (yet) come to our church, they have been reported in Dedham removing parents from their children at school bus pick up spots while telling onlookers they are removing some ‘bad people’ from the neighborhood.

“As this brutality unfolds and becomes commonplace, we look to the promise of the peace Christ brings into the world at Christmas. We commit ourselves to the way of His nonviolent love to all people, particularly those on the margins of life who have been deemed expendable and whose dignity is denied. "....(more at link)

[Wild blueberry]

3. Brilliant

Admire this church and reverend. Thank you.

[Ray Bruns]

4. ICE didn't finish. What are those three loser kings still doing there?

[twodogsbarking]

6. Arab exemption.

[Retrograde]

14. Money and status exemption

They were bringing expensive gifts- Donnie understands that

[summer_in_TX]

16. Those are the Roman Centurions standing in for ICE, I think.

I had to look at the linked article and all the photos to see that.

Edited to add:
Oops, I saw a different nativity scene elsewhere. No centurions in this one.
The other church is in Illinois.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/illinois-church-nativity-shows-baby-jesus-zip-tied-by-ice-agents/ar-AA1RI2MK

[PatSeg]

7. Wow, that was impressive

[BOSSHOG]

8. "While critics call it inappropriate"

Valuing the blood of my brothers and sisters who died for those of you who criticize our constitution and its applications I pray for you.

God Bless and protect “A Church in Dedham Massachusetts”

[Aristus]

13. Jesus drew attention to people in need. And his critics called it inappropriate.

How long before ICE starts crucifying people?

[OldBaldy1701E]

11. 'Inappropriate' meaning five or six pearl clutchers don't like it.

But, they are rich people, so they are given an outlet for that.

The majority, who like the idea, get... no mention.

We get three direct quotes from the detractors, but only the person who set it up gets to weigh in on the positive side of the display.

Typical.

[johnnyplankton]

12. I grew up in this town.

I wonder how long it will be before Trumpers mess with it. It's mixed politically but the "conservatives" are pretty reactionary.

[Mredmond]

15. Kid from Palestine

Just think, in a couple weeks MAGA will celebrate the birth of a kid from Palestine that if were born today they would vote against feeding him.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

17. This is where we are at in America. 😢