Dedham church says it will keep ‘ICE was here’ nativity display pending a meeting with Boston’s Archbishop

As anti-ICE Nativity scenes spark outrage, faith leaders grapple with politics at the pulpit

As Nativity scenes depicting ICE draw attention and outrage, faith leaders are grappling with politics in religion and urging a closer reading of the Christmas story.

ICE Nativity Scenes: Churches Reimagine Christmas Story Amid Deportations

Churches in areas targeted for immigration crackdowns are using this year's Nativity scenes to bear witness to the inhumane and unjust tactics of U.S. Homeland Security agents detaining persons believed to be undocumented immigrants.

Some churches are turning traditional nativity displays into anti-ICE messages

Several churches across the country are setting up nativity scenes this holiday season that make a political statement about immigration enforcement, with some depicting the Holy Family as missing or detained.These nativity displays come as faith leaders continue to advocate for immigrant communities amid the Trump administration's aggressive immigration agenda.At St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, the traditional nativity scene is emp…

Boston Archdiocese Admonishes Pastor To Remove ICE Message From Manger

Calling it a "politically divisive display," the Boston Archdiocese has asked a local suburban parish to remove a Nativity scene that substitutes images of the Holy Family with an empty manger." Via National Catholic Reporter: "ICE was here," reads the large sign that accompanies an empty manger outside St. Susanna Church in Dedham, Massachusetts, referring to immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "The Holy Fam…

Massachusetts church's ‘ICE was here’ nativity scene is protected speech, even if ICE doesn’t like it

Rev. Stephen Josoma of St. Susanna Parish defended the message against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement.

Not in Our Name

In these times of cruelty against immigrants in the United States, nativity scenes have become sites of political protest. In one installation in Massachusetts, Mary and an infant Jesus are absent, replaced by a sign that reads, "ICE was here." In another one in Chicago, a sign declares, “Due to ICE activity in our community, the Holy Family is in hiding." More such nativity scenes are popping up across the country as people of conscience protes…