Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a Nigerian Catholic nun serving in South Texas, regained her freedom hours after being arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while walking to Sunday Mass in McAllen, Texas. The arrest occurred on June 29, 2026, as she headed to church dressed in her religious habit. The swift intervention of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers secured her release later that same day, according to The Guardian.
Arrest and Immediate Reaction
The church where Sister Ugboaja serves, Our Lady of Sorrows, confirmed the detention in a Facebook post on June 29, asking parishioners to pray for her safety and swift release. The post read: '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. 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 incident quickly gained traction in the news, prompting members of Congress, including Republican Representative Monica De La Cruz of South Texas, to intervene with federal authorities.
Lawmaker Intervention and Release
The lawmakers' efforts led to Sister Ugboaja's release later that same day. Brenda Riojas, spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, expressed gratitude for the swift action. She stated that local representatives reached out directly to the Department of Homeland Security to secure her release. Riojas emphasized the nun's long-standing service to the community, noting that Sister Ugboaja belongs to the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy congregation and volunteers as an extraordinary minister of holy communion at Our Lady of Sorrows. Beyond her church duties, she is a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and previously worked for a decade as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg, Texas.
Broader Immigration Context
Sister Ugboaja's arrest comes amid a broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, which has included enforcement at sensitive sites such as churches. Faith leaders in affected communities have responded by encouraging online worship and offering practical support, such as helping fearful parishioners with errands like grocery shopping. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and religious freedom in the United States.
Previous Case: Nigerian Athlete Sentenced
In a separate case, former Nigerian sprint star Godson Oghenebrume received a 27-month federal prison sentence in the United States for possessing a firearm while residing in the country on an F-1 non-immigrant student visa. The 23-year-old athlete pleaded guilty and faces deportation after serving his term. Oghenebrume previously won national relay titles for Nigeria and secured a silver medal at the 2024 African Athletics Championships. The judgment was delivered by Chief Judge Shelly D. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as reported by Legit.ng.
