A Catholic nun who was detained by US immigration officers while walking to Mass in Texas has been released from custody following intervention by local politicians and church leaders.
Sister Leticia Ugboaja was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on Sunday as she walked to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, near the US-Mexico border.
News of the arrest spread after parish officials shared details on social media, prompting concern among local residents and elected representatives. Several members of Congress, including Texas Representative Monica de la Cruz, reportedly contacted federal authorities on Ugboaja's behalf, AP reports.
According to the Diocese of Brownsville, Ugboaja is a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.
Diocesan spokesperson Brenda Riojas said Ugboaja also works as a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and previously spent a decade working as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg.
Following discussions with federal officials, Ugboaja was released and returned home on Monday.
"We are grateful for the quick response of local representatives who reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to get her released from custody," Riojas said in a statement.
The incident comes amid ongoing debate over US immigration enforcement policies.
Religious leaders in some border communities have said increased immigration operations have left some worshippers reluctant to attend church services in person, prompting congregations to explore alternative ways of supporting vulnerable members.
