Outrage as US-Based Nigerian Nun Arrested by Immigration Officers, Released After Lawmakers’ Intervention -

There has been widespread outrage following the arrest and subsequent release of a United States-based Nigerian Catholic nun, Sister Leticia Ugboaja, by officials of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas.

Sister Ugboaja, 56, a member of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Mercy, was reportedly detained while walking to attend Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, located near the U.S.-Mexico border.

According to reports, the nun—who also works as a registered nurse at the South Texas Health System—was stopped by immigration officers and asked to present identification. She was unable to do so at the time, having reportedly left her ID at home, leading to her arrest and detention for several hours.

The incident quickly drew public attention and sparked reactions across social media, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding her arrest. Critics described the action as excessive, while others defended the enforcement of immigration protocols regardless of an individual’s religious status.

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Church officials confirmed that Sister Ugboaja serves as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion at her parish and has a longstanding record of service in the healthcare sector, including over a decade as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg, Texas.

Her release was secured following the intervention of U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz and other lawmakers from South Texas, who contacted the Department of Homeland Security.

A spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville expressed gratitude for the swift response that led to her release, noting that she has since returned home safely.

As of the time of this report, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

The development continues to generate mixed reactions, with ongoing debates about immigration enforcement practices, civil liberties, and the treatment of individuals regardless of their background or status.