ICE nun arrest in Texas: Leticia Ugboaja finally released

Posted on 07/01/26 at 11:05

Nun faces ICE arrest in Texas
Lawmakers helped secure her release
Case sparks immigration controversy

Sister Leticia Ugboaja regained her freedom after remaining in immigration custody following her arrest by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while she was walking to Mass wearing her religious habit in McAllen, Texas.

The case quickly sparked reactions from the religious community, local officials, and federal lawmakers, amid the ongoing debate over immigration operations promoted by the administration of President Donald Trump in places where people have traditionally sought spiritual support.

Sister Leticia Ugboaja was detained Sunday while heading to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen.

The parish is located just a few miles from the United States-Mexico border, according to Telemundo.

How did the ICE arrest of the nun happen in Texas?

🙏 Sister Leticia Ugboaja was detained by ICE agents while walking in her habit to a Mass in McAllen, Texas, a case that sparked outrage and mobilized religious leaders and lawmakers. https://t.co/ZCfsz5K07r pic.twitter.com/E3XnqqnW8O

— El Financiero (@ElFinanciero_Mx) June 30, 2026

After the arrest became known, church officials shared a message on social media.

The post quickly spread and attracted attention from media outlets and political representatives.

Among those who intervened was Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz.

Other lawmakers from South Texas also participated, making efforts with federal officials.

By Monday, Ugboaja had already returned home, according to confirmation from the Diocese of Brownsville.

So far, neither the Department of Homeland Security nor ICE has responded to requests for comment about the case.

Diocese highlights Sister Leticia Ugboaja’s community service

ICE agents arrest a nun while she was walking to Mass in Texas; she has already been released.#Latinus #InformaciónParaTi https://t.co/kpJnVhamCV

— Latinus (@latinus_us) June 30, 2026

Sister Ugboaja belongs to the congregation Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy.

In addition to her religious work, she served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.

The information was confirmed by Brenda Riojas, spokesperson for the Diocese of Brownsville.

Riojas also said the nun is a licensed nurse at South Texas Health System.

Before holding that position, she worked for ten years as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg.

The spokesperson explained that local representatives helped secure her release.

“We are grateful for the quick response from local representatives, who contacted the Department of Homeland Security to help obtain her release,” Riojas said in a statement.

The diocese did not provide additional details about the circumstances of the detention or the nun’s immigration status.

The case comes amid stricter immigration enforcement operations

Leticia Ugboaja’s detention occurred as the immigration enforcement campaign promoted by President Donald Trump continues.

The actions include operations in locations considered sensitive, including religious sites.

This situation has led some faith communities to change the way they serve their congregations.

Some religious leaders have encouraged participation in ceremonies online.

Others have organized support networks to assist with daily activities.

Those efforts include buying groceries or running errands for people who fear leaving their homes.

According to the context described by religious organizations, some attendees have reduced their presence at churches due to concerns about possible detention.

The case of Sister Leticia Ugboaja has once again placed the impact of immigration enforcement operations on religious communities and people involved in service work at the center of public debate.