A Nigerian nun detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas is speaking out to advocate for immigrants facing uncertainty and potential removal, emphasizing that many are in similar situations.
Sister Leticia Ugboaja was taken into custody on June 28 while walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, Texas, in her religious habit. She was released several hours later after congressional intervention brought attention to her case. Ugboaja is a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and volunteers as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at the church. She is also a registered nurse.
Ugboaja's attorney, Carlos Garcia, stated that an immigration judge denied her asylum application in 2019 but granted her protection from removal because she faced a likelihood of torture in Nigeria. Garcia added that Ugboaja has complied with all legal requirements and possessed authorization to work in the United States.
According to Garcia, Ugboaja was not given a clear explanation for her detention when it occurred, only that the U.S. intended to remove her to a third country. Lawyers and human rights organizations have previously criticized such third-country removal policies, which have faced legal challenges.
Ugboaja has a scheduled check-in with ICE next week. Her experience highlights concerns raised by faith leaders regarding immigration enforcement actions, particularly at locations like houses of worship, and their impact on immigrant communities who may fear attending services or engaging in daily activities.
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Ugboaja's case.