Nun arrested by ICE as she walked to Mass in Texas is released [View all]

Source: Associated Press via NBC News

Nun arrested by ICE as she walked to Mass in Texas is released

Sister Leticia Ugboaja, who is also a registered nurse at South Texas Health System, was walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen when she was detained.


Nun arrested by ICE as she walked to mass in Texas is released.
Sister Leticia Ugboaja.via KTLM

June 30, 2026, 8:46 AM EDT / Source: The Associated Press
By The Associated Press

McALLEN, Texas — A nun was released from immigration custody after she was arrested walking to Mass in her habit in South Texas.

Sister Leticia Ugboaja was walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, Texas, just a few miles from the U.S.-Mexico border on Sunday when she was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. ... The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not responded to a request for comment since Sunday.

Parish officials posted a message on social media shortly after the arrest that gained traction in the news and led to Congress members including U.S. Rep. Monica de la Cruz intervening on Ugboaja’s behalf.

The nun is part of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and volunteered as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, according to Brenda Riojas, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Brownsville. ... Ugboaja is also a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and worked previously for 10 years as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg, Riojas confirmed.

Members of Congress representing South Texas intervened with federal officials. As of Monday, Ugboaja was back in her home.

{snip}

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nun-arrested-ice-walked-mass-texas-released-rcna352374