A Catholic nun, Sister Leticia “Letty” Ugboaja, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in McAllen, Texas, on Sunday while walking to church. The 56-year-old nun from Nigeria was released later that day after lawmakers intervened.
Detention and Release
According to Sister Norma Pimentel, who manages the diocese’s charitable arm, Ugboaja was taking a short walk to Our Lady of Sorrows for Mass when she was detained by federal immigration agents. Ugboaja called for help while in custody and said she was being transferred to an ICE detention facility in Raymondville.
Lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, got involved and communicated directly with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin about the situation. After their intervention, Ugboaja was released.
Reaction and Investigation
The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville is working to gather information on the arrest, calling the circumstances “wildly disturbing.” The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has also called for an investigation into the arrest.
Bishop Daniel E. Flores stated that the detention protocols that allowed a religious sister to be detained and handcuffed while walking to church need to be reformed.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
