McALLEN, Texas — A Catholic nun was released from U.S. immigration custody after she was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers while walking to Mass in McAllen, Texas, church officials said.
Sister Leticia Ugboaja was walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Sunday when ICE officers detained her a few miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had not responded to requests for comment as of Monday.
Church officials posted about the arrest on social media shortly after the incident. The post drew public attention and prompted members of Congress, including Monica de la Cruz, to contact federal officials on Ugboaja’s behalf.
According to Brenda Riojas, Ugboaja is a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.
Riojas said Ugboaja also works as a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and previously worked for 10 years as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg.
Riojas said South Texas members of Congress contacted federal officials following the arrest, and Ugboaja returned to her home on Monday.
“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.
The incident comes as President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, including operations at sensitive locations such as houses of worship, have prompted some religious leaders to modify how they support congregants who are concerned about leaving their homes.
