Bipartisan backlash after ICE detained a Texas nun on her way to church led to her release

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is facing significant backlash following the detention of a Catholic nun in McAllen, Texas, last weekend. Sister Leticia Ugboaja was reportedly stopped by ICE officers, had her rosary confiscated, and was placed in handcuffs while on her way to Sunday Mass.

The nun, who is originally from Nigeria, was released from detention several hours later. Her release came after lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties intervened on her behalf. The incident drew immediate attention online, with her church, 'Our Lady of Sorrows Church,' posting on Facebook on June 28, asking for prayers for Sister Letty and stating reports of her detention.

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We ask our parish family to please keep this religious sister Letty in your prayers. Reports indicate that she was detained by ICE while on her way to Sunday Mass.

The church's post gained traction, prompting members of Congress to act. According to Brenda Riojas, a spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, Ugboaja is a registered nurse with the South Texas Health System and previously worked for 10 years as a certified nursing assistant. Riojas expressed gratitude for the quick response of local representatives who contacted the Department of Homeland Security to secure the nun's release.

The detention occurred during a period of intensified immigration enforcement under President Trump's second term, which has included arrests at various locations. The incident has raised concerns about the methods employed by immigration authorities.

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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.