ICE Detains Nigerian Nun Walking to Mass in McAllen

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Leticia Ugboaja, a 56-year-old Nigerian nun and registered nurse, on June 28, 2026, as she walked to Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, Texas. Although Ugboaja's 2019 asylum request was denied, she was granted protection from removal to Nigeria under the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

Ugboaja was released later that day following a public outcry and interventions by several members of Texas' congressional delegation, including Representatives Monica de la Cruz, Henry Cuellar, Vicente Gonzalez, and Joaquin Castro. At a press conference on July 23, Ugboaja described the experience as heartbreaking and urged immigration authorities to allow individuals to be heard before being detained.

Her attorney, Carlos M. Garcia, stated that Ugboaja has complied with all legal requirements and protection conditions since 2019. He noted that while the U.S. government is legally barred from returning her to Nigeria, ICE is attempting to deport her to a third country, a practice used during President Donald Trump's second term. Ugboaja faces a mandatory ICE check-in on July 28, which could result in her return to custody or the placement of an ankle monitor.