A Kenyan priest who also held a job with the state of Texas has decided to leave the United States voluntarily after being held in immigration detention for close to two months. His legal representatives have clarified that this choice is a tactical legal decision aimed at protecting his future rights, and is not an admission of guilt.
The Arrest and Conflicting Claims
Reverend James Eliud Ngahu Mwangi, who worked as an assistant rector in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and as a correctional officer, is set to return to Kenya this month following his decision for self-deportation. His difficult situation started on October 25, 2025, when he was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Huntsville, Texas, after a standard traffic stop.
ICE claimed that Rev. Mwangi had remained in the country beyond the validity of his B-1 business visa and was subject to a departure order from May 16, 2024. However, this claim was contested by his employer, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The TDCJ confirmed that he had legitimate work authorization valid through 2029, a status confirmed using the federal E-Verify system.
Legal Battle and Support from the Church
Rev. Mwangi's attorney, Laban O. Opande, explained that the priest had a pending asylum application. This application legally allowed him to both work and live in the U.S. while it was under review. Despite this, an immigration judge refused to grant him bond, which meant he had to stay in detention.
"He feels like he's in prison," Opande told the Houston Chronicle. "He has endured confinement without cause, and it has been deeply stressful." The Episcopal Diocese of Texas expressed strong backing for Rev. Mwangi, sharing its "deep concern" over his arrest and advocating for his humane treatment.
Bishop C. Andrew Doyle stated, "This priest has served both the Church and the State of Texas faithfully." The diocese confirmed it was offering both legal and pastoral support to Mwangi and his family throughout the entire ordeal.
A Strategic Decision for the Future
After growing frustrated with the prolonged detention, Rev. Mwangi and his legal team opted for what they describe as a strategic departure. By choosing voluntary return, instead of facing a formal deportation order, he may keep open the possibility of legally re-entering the United States at a later date. This legal pathway is often seen as a way to avoid the severe, long-term penalties associated with a forced removal.
The case highlights the complex and often harsh realities of the U.S. immigration system, even for individuals with pending applications and verified employment. It also underscores the critical role of legal strategy in navigating such challenges.
