Nun’s Experience Highlights Immigration Concerns

Sister Leticia Ugboaja narrated her arrest experience at a news conference held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, Texas. While headed to Sunday Mass, two armed men confronted her, causing confusion and distress. She wore her habit and carried minimal items—her rosary and cellphone—thinking about Bible passages.

Ugboaja was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 28. Her attorney, Carlos M. Garcia, explained that Ugboaja has lived with protection from removal to Nigeria, justified by the likelihood of facing torture if returned. Despite being released the same day, her case gained attention after parish officials posted about her on social media, prompting intervention by Congress members.

Ugboaja’s detention is part of broader immigration efforts under President Donald Trump’s administration, which focused on mass deportations. She has an upcoming check-in appointment with ICE. Ugboaja advocates for people to be heard before custody actions are taken.

Her attorney stated her asylum request was denied by a judge in 2019 but granted protection from removal. The U.S. planned to relocate her to a third country. This policy, introduced by Trump’s administration, faces criticism and legal challenges.

The Department of Homeland Security maintains these agreements aid those seeking asylum and alleviate court backlogs. However, it did not comment on Ugboaja’s case. Earlier, Ugboaja, as a registered nurse and volunteer at the church, faced heartbreak when denied attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion on the day of her detention.

Ugboaja is affiliated with the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy. She works as a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and formerly served for a decade as a certified nursing assistant in Edinburg, Texas.