Texas Nun Speaks Out After Immigration Detention During Mass
Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a Nigerian‑born nun and registered nurse serving in the Diocese of Brownsville, described her experience of being taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody while attending Sunday Mass in her habit. The incident occurred on June 28, 2024, in McAllen, Texas, a city located near the U.S.–Mexico border.
Details of the June 28 Incident
According to Sister Ugboaja, ICE agents approached her inside Our Lady of Sorrows Church as she was preparing for Mass. She said she did not understand why she was being detained at the moment.
“Honestly, in that moment I didn’t understand what was going on, what was happening to me,” she stated at a news conference held at the same church shortly after her release.
She was held for only a few hours before being released. Her release followed a wave of social media posts from local officials and interventions by members of Congress who drew attention to her case.
Legal Background and Asylum Status
Sister Ugboaja’s lawyer, Carlos Garcia, explained that her asylum claim was denied by an immigration judge in 2019. However, the judge granted her withholding of removal because she would likely face torture if returned to Nigeria.
Garcia emphasized that Sister Ugboaja has complied with all conditions of her protection, including maintaining valid work authorization as a nurse. He noted that she was not given a detailed explanation for the detention, only that the government intended to deport her to a third country.
“There are many others in the same situation, people who have been given some form of protection through our laws, who have followed all the rules asked of them and who are still living in insecurity,” Ugboaja said during the press conference.
Community and Congressional Response
The rapid reaction from community leaders and legislators played a key role in her swift release. Local officials posted updates on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, highlighting the apparent contradiction of detaining a religious worker during a worship service.
Members of Congress from Texas’ 15th and 28th districts contacted ICE headquarters, requesting clarification and urging her release. Their involvement, combined with public outcry, contributed to the decision to let her go later that same day.
Broader Implications for Faith Communities
The detention of Sister Ugboaja occurred amid a broader Trump‑era policy that intensified immigration enforcement in “sensitive places,” including houses of worship. While the administration has since changed, the episode has prompted religious leaders to reconsider how they support congregants who fear enforcement actions.
Many parishes have adopted alternative approaches to maintain spiritual connection and practical support:
- Offering live‑streamed Masses and prayer services for those unable to attend in person.
- Organizing volunteer teams to assist with grocery shopping, prescription pick‑ups, and other essential errands for individuals who avoid leaving their homes.
- Providing legal‑aid referrals and know‑your‑rights workshops through diocesan offices.
- Creating safe‑space committees that monitor ICE activity and document any incidents involving worshippers.
These measures aim to balance the imperative of religious freedom with the realities of heightened immigration scrutiny.
Statement from Authorities
As of the time of reporting, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE had not responded to requests for comment regarding Sister Ugboaja’s detention or the broader policy on third‑country removals. The lack of an official statement has been noted by advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Human Rights Watch, which continue to scrutinize the use of expedited removals and transfers to third countries.
Looking Ahead
Sister Ugboaja’s attorney said she has a scheduled check‑in with ICE for the following week. She remains committed to advocating for others who face‑for‑change, emphasizing that every person facing removal deserves an opportunity to be heard and to present their case before any action is taken.
Her experience underscores the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement policies and the protection of religious practice, a conversation that is likely to persist as communities nationwide navigate the evolving legal landscape.
