In McAllen, Texas, a nun named Sister Leticia Ugboaja was released from immigration custody after her arrest while she was en route to Mass. She was detained while walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church, located near the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained Ugboaja during her walk on Sunday.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have yet to provide comments on the incident. Parish officials quickly took to social media to highlight the arrest, which attracted media attention. This led to intervention by several Congress members, including U.S. Representative Monica de la Cruz, advocating for Ugboaja’s release.
Sister Ugboaja is affiliated with the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy. She contributes to the church as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, according to statements by Brenda Riojas, spokesperson for the Diocese of Brownsville. Ugboaja also works as a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and has a decade of experience as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg.
Federal officials faced pressure from South Texas Congress members, resulting in Ugboaja’s release by Monday evening. “We appreciate the rapid efforts of local representatives who engaged with the Department of Homeland Security for her release,” stated Riojas.
The incident ties into broader concerns surrounding President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which have included enforcement at sensitive locations like places of worship. These policies have compelled faith leaders to rethink how they support congregants who may feel unsafe. Churches have been encouraging online participation and offering assistance with errands like grocery shopping to help those fearful of venturing out.
Leave a Reply