Overview
- St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, replaced the Holy Family with a sign reading “ICE was here” and a LUCE hotline, which the pastor said was meant to highlight migrants’ fears.
- Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons condemned the Dedham display as “sad political rhetoric,” asserting agents are “human beings” and disputing claims of family snatching.
- Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois, installed a Nativity showing Baby Jesus with zip-tied hands guarded by figures styled as ICE agents, a tableau the church said mirrors detention practices.
- Following online attention, elements of the Evanston display were altered, with the baby’s zip ties cut and Mary’s mask removed, while reactions across social media remained polarized.
- Critics including the Catholic Action League called the Dedham display divisive, the Archdiocese of Boston declined comment, and both churches pointed to prior advocacy and refugee support as context for their choices.