 |
| Sister Leticia Ugboaja |
Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a 56-year-old Nigerian nun with the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after being detained while walking to Mass in McAllen, Texas.
The arrest occurred on Sunday as Sister Ugboaja made her way to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, a short distance from the U.S.–Mexico border, the church said.
The diocese confirmed she serves the parish as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.
News of the detention spread quickly after the church posted about the incident on social media.
Associated Press reported the story on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and said the post prompted attention from several South Texas members of Congress. Representative Monica De La Cruz, a Republican, was among those who intervened on her behalf.
Brenda Riojas, spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, said Sister Ugboaja is also employed as a registered nurse at South Texas Health System.
She previously spent 10 years working as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg, Texas.
Following contact from lawmakers and community advocates, Sister Ugboaja was released from ICE custody and returned home later that Sunday.
“We are grateful for the quick response of local representatives who reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to get her released from custody,” Riojas said.
As of Sunday, the US Department of Homeland Security and ICE had not publicly commented on the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
The incident comes amid an intensified immigration enforcement campaign under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has included operations at locations traditionally regarded as sensitive, such as places of worship.
The crackdown has prompted some faith leaders to adjust how they support immigrant congregants, encouraging online worship and offering assistance with errands for those afraid to leave their homes.
0 comments:
Post a Comment