ICE Detains Texas Nun Walking to Mass, Released Same Day

A Catholic nun and registered nurse was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while walking to Sunday Mass in McAllen, Texas, on June 28, 2026, an incident that prompted swift congressional intervention and her release within a day. Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, was reportedly stopped near Our Lady of Sorrows Church, located just miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, while dressed in her religious habit.

Federal authorities have not publicly explained the reason for her detention. The church announced the arrest on social media, where the post gained widespread attention and spurred calls for her release from community members and advocacy groups.

Multiple members of Congress representing South Texas intervened. Representative Vicente Gonzalez condemned the detention, linking it to what he described as the administration's aggressive immigration policies. Later on Sunday, Representative Henry Cuellar announced that after discussions with senior Department of Homeland Security officials, an order had been given for Ugboaja's immediate release. She was released by Sunday evening and returned to her home.