Politics
Nun Detained by ICE While Walking to Texas Church in Her Habit
A nun in Texas was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while on her way to church.
Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, Texas, initially wrote in a Sunday, June 28, Facebook post that Sister Leticia Ugboaja — who has since been released — reportedly had a run-in with ICE.
“We ask our parish family to please keep this religious sister Letty in your prayers,” the statement read. “Reports indicate that she was detained by ICE while on her way to Sunday Mass.”
“We pray for her safety, peace, and strength during this difficult time, and we hope for a swift and just resolution that allows her to be released soon,” the church added.
The Associated Press reported on Sunday, June 29, that Ugboaja was dressed in her habit as she was en route to the South Texas church, which is a few miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.
The AP said that Ugboaja is part of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and volunteered at Our Lady of Sorrows Church as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, according to Diocese of Brownsville spokesperson Brenda Riojas.
In an update on the church’s official Facebook page, they shared a post from Rep. Monica de la Cruz, who said she spoke with United States secretary of homeland security Markwayne Mullin.
“I’m pleased to announce that Sister Letty will be coming home,” said De la Cruz. “My office worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security, and I’m grateful they acted to resolve this quickly. Thank you to everyone who kept her in their prayers. God is good.”
Ugboaja is also a registered nurse with South Texas Health System.
“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 told the AP.
The Department of Homeland Security’s immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump‘s administration has sparked widespread political unrest following the fatal shootings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of law enforcement.
