Nun Shares Distressing Experience After Detention in Texas
MCALLEN, Texas (AP) – Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a nun who was detained last month by immigration officials in Texas, recounted her harrowing experience at a press conference on Thursday. As she walked to Sunday Mass, contemplating the day’s Bible reading, she was approached by two armed men, leading her to feel a wave of panic.
Reflecting on the moment of her detention, Sister Ugboaja expressed confusion, stating, “At that moment, I didn’t understand what was happening.” This press conference marked her first public statement since her arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on June 28.
Through her attorney, it was revealed that Sister Ugboaja has been under protection from deportation to Nigeria due to the risk of torture she could face upon her return. The 56-year-old nun was released within hours of her arrest, largely due to public support and advocacy from community members and a Congressional representative.
Under the Trump administration, mass deportations have become a focal point, often employing aggressive tactics that have come under scrutiny. Sister Ugboaja is required to check in with ICE again on Tuesday and hopes that sharing her experience will raise awareness for others facing similar predicaments.
“There are many others in the same situation, who have legal protection but still live in fear,” Ugboaja explained, appealing for understanding before her next custody check. She expressed gratitude for the help she received but emphasized the importance of speaking out against the injustices faced by many.
Attending the press conference, her attorney, Carlos M. Garcia, elaborated on her immigration case. Although an immigration judge denied her asylum request in 2019, the court granted her protection from deportation based on the likely risk of torture in Nigeria. Garcia highlighted that Sister Ugboaja, a nurse, has adhered to all legal requirements and is legally employed in the U.S.
Despite her compliance, the circumstances surrounding her detention left her with many unanswered questions. According to her lawyer, she received little explanation from ICE regarding the reasons for her arrest and the plans to transfer her to a third country, a move criticized by immigration advocates and human rights organizations.
While the Department of Homeland Security defends its strategy to address immigration court backlogs through its third-country exclusion policy, many question its ethical implications. As of Thursday, both DHS and ICE had not responded to inquiries regarding Sister Ugboaja’s case.
A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Brownsville painted a picture of her community involvement, noting that Ugboaja is a member of the Daughters of the Blessed Virgin Mary and has served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. She has also worked as a registered nurse in the South Texas Health System and has previous experience as a certified nursing assistant.
On the day of her arrest, Sister Ugboaja pleaded with the police to allow her to attend Mass, highlighting the personal impact of her detention. “It was very heartbreaking not to be able to go to Sunday Mass and receive Holy Communion,” she lamented, underscoring the spiritual distress caused by her experience.
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Stengle reported from Dallas.
