McAllen, Texas — A Roman Catholic nun was released from U.S. immigration custody after being detained by ICE while walking to Sunday Mass in south Texas.
Sister Leticia “Letty” Ugboaja was walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, near the U.S.-Mexico border, when ICE officers detained her, according to church and diocesan officials. The church posted about the arrest on social media, prompting public concern and intervention from members of Congress, including Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz.
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. The Diocese of Brownsville said she is also a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and previously worked for 10 years as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not immediately respond to media requests for comment. Diocese spokesperson Brenda Riojas said Ugboaja was back home by Monday and thanked local representatives who contacted DHS to help secure her release.
The case drew attention because immigration enforcement near churches has worried faith leaders and immigrant communities, especially as some parishioners have become afraid to attend services in person.
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