Nun Detained at U.S.-Mexico Border Speaks Out

A nun from Nigeria, Sister Leticia Ugboaja, shared her experience of being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Texas. The arrest happened last month while she was heading to Sunday Mass in McAllen, Texas.

Ugboaja described the terrifying encounter with two armed men approaching her, causing her to break into a cold sweat. She was walking with little more than her rosary and cellphone when she was stopped. At a news conference at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, she expressed her confusion and fear during the ordeal.

Sister Ugboaja has lived with protection from removal due to fears of torture in Nigeria. However, she was briefly detained near the U.S.-Mexico border before being released. Her case gained attention after parish officials highlighted her situation on social media, prompting intervention from members of Congress.

Ugboaja, 56, emphasized the plight of others in similar situations during the news conference. She urged for more understanding and the opportunity for individuals to be heard before any detention actions. She thanked those who helped her, stating that her case is not isolated.

Her attorney, Carlos M. Garcia, elaborated on her immigration status. Despite being denied asylum in 2019, Ugboaja received protection from removal due to the threat of torture in Nigeria. Garcia noted that she complied with all legal requirements and had work authorization in the U.S.

The Trump administration had sought to swiftly deport individuals through third-country agreements. These policies faced legal challenges and criticism from various groups. Under these agreements, asylum seekers could be redirected to pursue protection in another country due to backlogs in U.S. immigration courts.

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not comment on Ugboaja’s case after her arrest in June or following Thursday’s conference. Sister Ugboaja is a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and served in the church as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She is also a registered nurse with the South Texas Health System and previously worked as a certified nursing assistant for a decade.

Ugboaja recounted pleading with officers to attend Mass and receive Communion on the day of her arrest, requests that were denied. Missing Mass was deeply upsetting for her as a nun, she explained.