BREAKING Catholic Nun Sr. Leticia Ugboaja Detained by ICE in Texas While Going to Church is Still at Risk of Deportation Following Check-in

Sister Leticia (Letty) Ugboaja, age 56, was detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in McAllen, Texas, while on her way to Sunday Holy Mass on June 28, 2026. The incident sparked immediate public outcry and prompt intervention from Texas lawmakers—including Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz and Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar—securing her release later that same day. [1, 2, 3, 4]


She gave a press conference (see below) with testimony of her treatment at the ICE facility. According to Border Report, she made the required check-in at Harlingen, Texas, DHS, she is scheduled for another meeting on Jan. 28, 2027. Her lawyer, Carlos M. Garcia, explained that the government is trying to deport her to another third-party country.

  • Deportation Protection: Her asylum application was denied in 2019, but an immigration judge granted her protection from removal to Nigeria due to a credible risk of torture if returned. [1]
  • Compliance: Her attorney, Carlos Moctezuma Garcia, stated she has consistently complied with all legal requirements and holds active authorization to work in the U.S.. [1, 2]
  • Third-Country Removal: Government officials are reportedly pushing to deport her to a third country under strict immigration policies rather than sending her back to Nigeria. [1, 2]
  • Latest Update: Following a tense scheduled check-in with ICE, she avoided re-detention and was not required to wear an ankle monitor. However, her future remains in limbo, and she must return for another mandatory meeting with immigration officials. [1]
  • Religious Order: She is a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy congregation.
  • Healthcare Work: She is a registered nurse at the South Texas Health System's McAllen Medical Center and previously spent 10 years working as a certified nursing assistant in Edinburg, Texas. [1, 2]

Sister Leticia “Letty” Ugboaja: News Conference Testimony

It is my pleasure to speak to you today after weeks and days filled with stress, anxiety, and fear. Yet, as the Scriptures remind us: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you always.”

On Sunday, June 28th, I was walking to Mass, as I do every day, when I was stopped by ICE right here by the school. In that moment, I honestly did not understand what was happening to me. My mind was focused on reflecting upon the readings for that day's Mass. I was terrified—covered in a cold sweat, with my heart racing tachycardically in my chest.

I have lived in this community for over a decade. As a nurse, I have cared for the sick in various local hospitals. I never expected this to happen on an ordinary Sunday morning—a time when people prepare to worship the Lord. I have walked down this very street, past this exact school, countless times.

That morning, I was scheduled to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at the 8:45 a.m. Mass. As I walked, I was meditating on the readings and preparing my heart to distribute the Lord to my fellow parishioners. As a Catholic, attending Mass on Sunday is an obligation, but as a religious sister, missing Mass and being unable to receive Holy Communion was deeply heartbreaking. I asked the officers, "Can I please go to Mass? Can I just attend and receive Communion?"

The answer was no.

I did not resist. Standing before two armed men, I was just a small, unarmed nun carrying only my rosary, my keys, and my phone. I will not pretend otherwise: it hurt then, and it still hurts today.

In the days since, I have prayed deeply—not only for myself, but regarding the profound fear I felt that morning and still carry with me now. I hold a heavy burden in my heart knowing that so many others are in this exact same position, yet have no cameras, no public attention, and remain languishing in uncertainty. I am not the only one. There are many who have been granted protection under our laws, who have followed every rule required of them, and who still live in constant fear of where they might be sent without warning.

I do not say any of this out of anger. I speak out of my faith, which teaches me that silence will not solve our problems. I speak out of peace and honesty.

I am deeply grateful to this community and to everyone who rallied around me during that dark moment on June 28th. But my gratitude does not mean I can stay quiet about what happened to me, what continues to happen to others, or the pain I still feel.

My plea is simple: before anyone is taken into custody—whether from their homes, their parishes, their workplaces, or off the street—give them the opportunity to be heard. Every person in this situation deserves to be listened to, to be given attention, and to be granted a fair chance to present their case.

Thank you.

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