US Immigration Agency Releases Detained Nigerian Nun Following Congressional Intervention

• A Roman Catholic nun was taken into immigration custody while walking to a church service in southern Texas
• Local representatives and members of Congress immediately intervened with federal officials to secure her prompt release
• Religious leaders are highlighting growing concerns over law enforcement operations conducted near faith-based sanctuaries
• Briefly News spoke with Methodist Church elder and deacon Ditsego Modupe about the detention and subsequent release of a Nigerian nun by US immigration

Federal immigration authorities have released a Roman Catholic nun from custody following her unexpected arrest in a southern Texas border town. The incident occurred in McAllen, Texas, a short distance from the United States-Mexico border, as the woman was on her way to attend a church service while in her traditional habit.

Congressional intervention and backlash

UK publication The Guardian reported on 30 June 2026 that federal officials took Sister Leticia Ugboaja into custody as she made her way to Our Lady of Sorrows church, where she volunteers as an extraordinary minister of holy communion. Following a public social media alert published by church administrators, several local congressional representatives quickly intervened with the Department of Homeland Security on her behalf.

Read also

Tumisho Masha responds to Ghana demanding compensation for Ghanaians deported from South Africa

Sister Leticia is released from ICE detention

Lawmakers confirmed that federal officials subsequently authorised her release, allowing the registered nurse to return home the same day rather than face extended detention. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from local faith leaders and community advocates, who argue that aggressive enforcement tactics at or near sensitive sites, such as houses of worship, create an atmosphere of fear and disrupt regular community life.

Global religious freedom and the treatment of faith workers

The Briefly News team spoke with elder Ditsego to discuss the broader implications of this incident on Christian workers worldwide.

We asked what his reaction was to the news of a Nigerian nun being detained by US immigration before congressional intervention. He shared:

"It is a major relief that she was released, but it is troubling that a servant of God who dedicated her life to helping others was subjected to such treatment.”

The team asked if he thinks the incident points to a growing disregard for religious figures globally. He responded:

Read also

“The nerve”: SA fuming as Pretoria e-hailing driver allegedly discriminates against Tsonga passenger

“Yes, it is a clear sign that Christianity is under attack globally, noting that some people are even vandalising churches locally. There is a worrying decline in respect for sacred work.”

We asked how the Christian community should respond to these kinds of challenges. The elder said:

“We must remain vigilant, stand united, and continue speaking out. Faith communities must support one another to ensure that those doing God's work are protected and respected.”

Watch the nun's release in the X video below:

5 Briefly News prison-related articles

• A group of incarcerated men filmed two inmates showing off their dance moves in their prison cell, leaving viewers saying prison was more like hotels nowadays.
• A former Home Affairs official was sentenced to 12 years in prison after she was found guilty of over a thousand charges for processing 192 illegal passports for non-qualifying foreign nationals, pocketing hundreds of thousands in illicit cash.
• A 19-year-old man detailed that he was imprisoned for four months for failing to pay the fine he was issued for a derogatory remark he made about a popular influencer.
• A local man sparked an online debate after sharing the significant number of foreign inmates in South African prisons compared to other African countries.
• A loyal wife shared a video of her emotional journey to visit her imprisoned husband, highlighting the tough reality of having an incarcerated partner.

Source: Briefly News