ICE Detains Religious Sister in Texas, Sparks Outcry Over Immigration Enforcement

Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a Nigerian-born nurse and member of the congregation Hijas de María, Madre de la Misericordia, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while walking to church in Texas, according to accounts provided to El País. The incident, which lasted 10 hours, drew condemnation from local leaders and raised questions about immigration enforcement protocols.

What Led to the Detention?

Sister Ugboaja, who works as a nurse in the South Texas Health System and serves as a volunteer extraordinary minister of communion at Nuestra Señora de los Dolores Church, was intercepted by ICE agents around 9:00 a.m. on a Sunday while walking to Mass, as reported by Sister Pimentel. Agents seized her Bible and rosary before detaining her at the ICE El Valle facility, located in Raymondville, an hour from McAllen, Texas. The Diocese stated it is investigating the circumstances of the detention but criticized the “deeply troubling” protocols that allowed a religious worker to be detained while traveling to worship.

How Did the Community Respond?

Following her arrest, Sister Ugboaja’s parish priest alerted Sister Norma Pimentel, who then contacted ICE officials and local politicians. Congresswoman Mónica De La Cruz (R), and federal representatives Vicente González and Henry Cuéllar (D), all advocated for her release. A judge in the county also became involved in the case. After 10 hours, Sister Ugboaja was released and reunited with Sister Pimentel in an emotional embrace, as reported by El País.

What Are the Broader Implications?

The Diocese condemned the detention, with Archbishop Daniel E. Flores stating the incident “must be reformed.” The incident occurs amid an increase in ICE detentions, which saw an increase of more than 75% in the number of people in ICE detention centers a year after January 2025, according to data from the American Immigration Council. The same center reported for that moment an increase of 2,450% in the number of detainees without criminal records.

What Happens Next for Sister Ugboaja?

Following her release, Sister Ugboaja was issued a notice to appear before ICE on July 28, according to Sister Pimentel. The DHS and the ICE did not respond to the request for information on the reasons for the detention. The Diocese is now reviewing procedures to protect other religious workers, including recommendations for carrying documents at all times and creating emergency contact files.

Why This Case Matters

Sister Pimentel does not remember in the past the ICE detaining another religious sister: Ugboaja is the first case for which she has had to advocate. The case has sparked discussions about the intersection of immigration policy and religious liberty. The Diocese emphasized that Sister Ugboaja “dedicates herself to serving God and is a nurse.”