A nun, Sister Leticia Ugboaja, was released from immigration custody after being detained in McAllen, Texas, while walking to Mass in her habit. She was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on her way to Our Lady of Sorrows Church, situated a few miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not provided comments on the incident.
Following her arrest, a social media post from parish officials quickly gained traction and led to intervention from Congress members, including U.S. Rep. Monica de la Cruz, advocating for her release. Sister Ugboaja is affiliated with the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at the church. According to Brenda Riojas, spokesperson for the Diocese of Brownsville, Ugboaja is also a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and has previously worked as a certified nursing assistant for 10 years at DHR Health in Edinburg.
Members of Congress representing South Texas engaged with federal officials; as of Monday, Sister Ugboaja returned to her home. Brenda Riojas expressed gratitude for the rapid response of local representatives in contacting the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate her release.
President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, which includes enforcement near sensitive areas such as houses of worship, has caused faith leaders to adjust their support for church members. Faced with rising fears, some have promoted online attendance and offered assistance with errands like grocery shopping for those reluctant to leave their homes.
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