Overview
- St. Susanna Parish says the installation will remain in place for now as Rev. Stephen Josoma seeks a meeting with Archbishop Richard Henning before any final decision.
- The scene omits Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, replacing them with an “ICE was here” sign and a LUCE hotline number, while shepherds and Magi still surround the empty manger.
- The Archdiocese of Boston formally demanded removal, citing church norms against using sacred objects for non-devotional purposes and noting the parish lacked permission.
- Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons called the display “absolutely abhorrent,” linking it to a harmful narrative, and a DHS spokesperson rejected the implication that ICE separates families.
- The parish’s stance has drawn visitors and mixed reactions, comes from a history of issue-focused nativities, and mirrors similar anti-ICE displays in the Chicago area as bishops recently criticized indiscriminate mass deportations.