BREAKING Catholic Nun Detained by ICE on her Way to Church in Texas in Tears at Release After State Rep. Intervened - VIDEO

Catholic Nun Detained by ICE in Texas Border City, Sparks Outrage

A religious sister was detained for several hours by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Sunday, June 28, while walking to Mass in McAllen, Texas.

Sister Leticia "Letty" Ugboaja—a member of the Nigeria-founded Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy—was arrested in her religious habit just after leaving her residence. She was heading to Our Lady of Sorrows Church, where she serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion.

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Brownsville, wrote: We ask our parish family to please keep this religious sister Letty in your prayers. Reports indicate that she was detained by ICE while on her way to Sunday Mass. We pray for her safety, peace, and strength during this difficult time, and we hope for a swift and just resolution that allows her to be released soon.

Beyond her ministry, Sister Leticia is a registered nurse at a South Texas Health System medical center and previously worked for a decade as a certified nursing assistant in Edinburg, Texas.

Congressional Intervention and Release

Sister Leticia was released hours later following swift intervention from federal lawmakers.

• Bipartisan Push: U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) stated she elevated the issue to the highest levels, coordinates with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and later confirmed her release after speaking directly with government officials.

• Community Relief: The Diocese of Brownsville and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish expressed deep gratitude for the rapid outpouring of community support and the quick action of local representatives.

Calls for Systemic Reform

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from local religious leaders and politicians over current enforcement protocols:

"Homeland Security enforcement protocols that make it possible for a religious sister, or anyone, to be detained and handcuffed while peacefully walking to Church on a Sunday morning are wildly disturbing and need to be reformed." — Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville

• Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) called the incident a byproduct of "hyperaggressive immigration policies," arguing that enforcement has shifted away from high-risk targets to "targeting nuns on their way to Sunday Mass."

• Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that immigration enforcement should prioritize violent criminals, noting, "A Catholic nun on her way to church is not a threat to our community."

The Diocese of Brownsville noted that while they are grateful for her safe return, many questions remain regarding the exact circumstances surrounding her arrest.