Federal immigration officials detained and later released a Catholic nun in South Texas after stopping her while she walked to Sunday Mass in her religious habit, prompting swift intervention from local congressional representatives and raising questions about enforcement priorities near houses of worship.
Detention Near the Border
Sister Leticia Ugboaja was walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, Texas, on Sunday morning when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers intercepted her. McAllen sits just miles from the U.S.-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley. The nun, a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at the parish. She was wearing her traditional religious habit at the time of her arrest.
Parish officials immediately posted about the detention on social media, and the news quickly gained widespread attention. The Diocese of Brownsville confirmed the incident through spokesperson Brenda Riojas. Both the Department of Homeland Security and ICE declined to comment on the arrest or provide details about the circumstances surrounding the detention.
Congressional Response and Release
Multiple members of Congress representing South Texas districts contacted federal officials on behalf of Sister Ugboaja. U.S. Representative Monica de la Cruz was among those who intervened. By Monday, authorities had released the nun, and she returned to her home. The diocese expressed gratitude for the quick response from local representatives who reached out directly to the Department of Homeland Security to secure her release from custody.
Sister Ugboaja maintains strong ties to the South Texas community beyond her religious service. She works as a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and previously spent a decade as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg, providing medical care to residents throughout the region.
Broader Enforcement Context
The detention reflects the expanded scope of immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. Current federal policy includes operations at locations previously considered sensitive sites, such as churches and other houses of worship. Faith leaders across the country have adjusted their approach in response to heightened enforcement. Some religious communities now encourage online attendance for concerned members, while others coordinate assistance with daily errands like grocery shopping for parishioners who fear leaving their homes. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and traditional protections for religious institutions and their members.