A Roman Catholic nun, Sister Leticia Ugboaja, has been released from the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement after she was arrested while walking to church in McAllen, Texas.

Ugboaja, originally from Nigeria, is a 56-year-old member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy.

She was detained on Sunday by ICE officers as she walked to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, located a few miles from the US-Mexico border, to attend Mass, according to a statement issued by the church.

The incident, as reported by The Guardian on Tuesday, drew widespread attention after the church disclosed the arrest on social media, prompting intervention by several members of the US Congress, including Representative Monica De La Cruz, a Republican representing South Texas.

Church officials said Ugboaja also serves as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.

Spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, Brenda Riojas, confirmed that Ugboaja is a registered nurse at South Texas Health System.

She previously worked for 10 years as a certified nursing assistant at DHR Health in Edinburg, Texas.

Following the intervention by De La Cruz and other lawmakers from South Texas, Ugboaja was released and returned home later on Sunday.

“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.

As of Sunday, the US Department of Homeland Security and ICE had not publicly commented on the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

The incident comes amid an intensified immigration enforcement campaign under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has included operations at locations traditionally regarded as sensitive, such as places of worship.

The crackdown has prompted some faith leaders to adjust how they support immigrant congregants, encouraging online worship and offering assistance with errands for those afraid to leave their homes. (PUNCH)

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