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ICE Detains Texas Nun Walking to Church Before Same-Day Release
A nun was detained by immigration agents in McAllen, Texas, while walking to mass. She was released the same day, prompting statements from local representatives and the diocese.
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A nun was detained by immigration agents in McAllen, Texas, while walking to mass on Sunday and released the same day. The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville said agents stopped Sister Leticia Ugboaja as she walked to Our Lady of Sorrows Church. The diocese described her as a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and a former certified nursing assistant in Edinburg, Texas.
Ugboaja is a Nigerian national and member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy congregation. She also volunteers as a minister at the McAllen church. Rep. Monica De La Cruz stated that her office worked with the Department of Homeland Security to resolve the detention quickly. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment on the reason for the detention.
The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville said it continues to gather information about the circumstances of the detention. Bishop Daniel E. Flores said the nun is a source of goodness in the community and called the protocols that allowed the detention disturbing.
Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar posted that reports of the arrest raise concerns about how immigration enforcement resources are being used. De La Cruz said enforcement should target violent criminals.
