Reverend sister Leticia Ugboaja, who was arrested in South Texas by immigration operatives on her way to Sunday mass has been released.
According to AP, Leticia Ugboaja was walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen just a few miles from the U.S.-Mexico border on Sunday when she was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
Though, Parish officials posted a message on social media shortly after the arrest that gained traction in the news and led to Congress members including U.S. Rep. Monica de la Cruz intervening on Ugboaja’s behalf.
The nun is part of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and volunteered as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, according to Brenda Riojas, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Brownsville.
Ugboaja is also a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and worked previously for 10 years as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg, Riojas confirmed.
Members of Congress representing South Texas intervened with federal officials.
Diaspora Digital Media understand that as of Monday, Ugboaja was back in her home.
“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 added in her statement.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown — including at sensitive sites such as houses of worship — has prompted faith leaders to adjust their response to church members who have become too afraid to attend.
Some have encouraged online attendance, while others have offered help doing errands such as grocery shopping for people too fearful to leave their homes.
