Sister Leticia Ugboaja Calls for Fair Treatment After Immigration Custody
A Texas nun who was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while walking to Sunday Mass has spoken publicly for the first time since her release.
Sister Leticia Ugboaja was taken into immigration custody on 28 June while wearing her religious habit in a town near the US-Mexico border. She was released several hours later following public attention from church officials and intervention from members of Congress.
Speaking at a news conference at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, Ugboaja described the experience as confusing and painful.
“Honestly, in that moment, I did not understand what was going on,” she said.
The nun said missing Sunday Mass was deeply upsetting because attending the service and receiving communion are central parts of her faith.
“For me, a nun, not to go to Mass on Sunday, not to receive communion, it was very heartbreaking,” she said.
Nun Calls for People to Be Heard
Ugboaja said she decided to speak publicly not only for herself but also for others facing similar immigration situations.
She urged authorities to give people an opportunity to explain their circumstances before they are detained.
“I believe every person in this situation like me deserves to be heard,” she said, adding that people should be given attention, an opportunity to speak and another chance.
Her comments came as immigration enforcement actions across the United States continue to attract national debate.
Legal Background of Ugboaja’s Case
Ugboaja’s attorney, Carlos Garcia, said an immigration judge rejected her asylum request in 2019 but granted her protection from removal because she faced a possible risk of torture if returned to Nigeria.
Garcia said Ugboaja, who is also a nurse, followed all immigration requirements and had authorization to work in the United States.
He argued that her case reflects the uncertainty experienced by many immigrants who have received legal protections but remain concerned about their future.
“There are many others in this same situation,” Garcia said, referring to people who have complied with immigration rules but continue to live with uncertainty.
Concerns Over Third-Country Removal Policy
According to her lawyer, Ugboaja was given little explanation about why she was detained but was told the US government planned to remove her to a third country.
The Trump administration’s third-country removal policy has faced criticism from lawyers and human rights organizations, with some legal challenges filed against the practice.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Ugboaja’s detention.
Her lawyer said she is scheduled for a future check-in with ICE.
Faith Communities Respond to Immigration Crackdown
The detention has added to concerns among religious communities as immigration enforcement expands, including actions involving sensitive locations such as places of worship.
Some faith leaders have adjusted their support systems, encouraging online religious services and helping vulnerable community members with essential tasks such as shopping and transportation.
Ugboaja’s case has become part of a wider national conversation about immigration enforcement, due process and the treatment of people living under uncertain legal circumstances.
