Nigerian Nun Detained by ICE in Texas Released After Church Arrest

A Nigerian Roman Catholic nun, Sister Leticia Ugboaja, has been set free from the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after her arrest while proceeding to church in McAllen, Texas. Sister Ugboaja, who is 56 years old and a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy congregation, was taken into custody by ICE officers on Sunday. The incident occurred as she walked towards Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, situated just a few miles from the US-Mexico border, to attend Mass. This information was detailed in a statement released by the church.

The detention, first reported by The Guardian on Tuesday, gained significant public attention after the church publicized the arrest on social media platforms. This led to interventions from several members of the US Congress, including Representative Monica De La Cruz, a Republican representing South Texas. Church officials further clarified that Sister Ugboaja also serves as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.

Brenda Riojas, spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, confirmed that Sister Ugboaja is a registered nurse at South Texas Health System. Prior to this, she had dedicated ten years of service as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg, Texas. Following the prompt intervention by Representative De La Cruz and other lawmakers from the South Texas region, Sister Ugboaja was released and returned to her residence later on Sunday.

Riojas expressed gratitude, stating, "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." As of Sunday, neither the US Department of Homeland Security nor ICE had issued any public comments regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

This particular incident aligns with an intensified immigration enforcement drive under the administration of then-President Donald Trump. This campaign notably included operations in locations traditionally considered sensitive, such as places of worship. The strict enforcement measures prompted some faith leaders to adapt their methods of supporting immigrant congregants, advocating for online worship and providing assistance with errands for those who feared leaving their homes.