A Nigerian nun detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while walking to Mass in Texas has spoken out, describing the experience as "heartbreaking." Sister Leticia Ugboaja, who has protection from removal due to risk of torture in Nigeria, pleaded for others in similar situations to be heard.
The detention of a nun while walking to church highlights concerns about immigration enforcement practices and their impact on religious communities, particularly for individuals with existing legal protections.
A Nigerian nun, Sister Leticia Ugboaja, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while walking to Mass in Texas, has spoken out about her experience. At a news conference, Ugboaja stated that many others are in similar situations, facing uncertainty despite having legal protections and following all required rules. She was arrested on June 28 while walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen and was released several hours later after congressional intervention. Her attorney, Carlos Garcia, explained that an immigration judge denied her asylum application in 2019 but granted her protection from removal due to the likelihood of torture in Nigeria. Garcia emphasized that Ugboaja has complied with all requirements and had permission to work in the U.S. He also noted that ICE indicated plans to remove her to a third country. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Ugboaja is scheduled for an ICE check-in next week. She is a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and volunteers as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at the church. Ugboaja said that not being able to attend Mass and receive Communion was "very, very heartbreaking" for her.
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