A Massachusetts church has sparked debate with its controversial ‘ICE’ nativity display.

Instead of figures from the Christmas scene, the manger and stable remain empty, as a sign reads: “ICE was here”.

Below it, another sign says: “The Holy Family is safe in The Sanctuary of our Church. If you see ICE please call LUCE,” in reference to the Immigration Justice Network of Massachusetts.

The church’s priest, Rev Stephen Josoma, said the sign was his idea.

Critics labelled the scene as a “crackpot publicity stunt”, while others claimed he was “exploiting the Holy Family” for a political agenda.

Rev Josoma was adamant that the display tells an important message.

“This is a stance I hope all churches would take,” he told Fox News. “What we celebrate at Christmas is the peace that Christ brought into the world… [the Christmas message] is right here, right now.”

A 67-year-old parishioner, Marjorie Yie, said the scene highlights the vulnerability of  Christ coming to earth.

“Jesus was a refugee,” she told the Boston Globe. “He had to flee his native country, his parents took him because they were worried he would be killed.”

It is not the first time Saint Susanna parish has sparked discussion; a previous scene saw the Baby Jesus placed in a cage, in reference to the detaining of children at the US-Mexico border.

Rev Josoma hoped that instead of controversy, the nativity would spark compassion and conversations around loving one’s neighbour.