Dallas, Texas – Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a Nigerian nun, recounted her terrifying encounter with ICE officers while en route to church in McAllen, Texas, drawing national attention to the complexities of U. S. Immigration policies.
On June 28, 2026, Sister Ugboaja, 56, was detained by ICE officers as she walked to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. She described the incident as a moment of profound confusion and fear, as she was unaware of the reasons for her detention.
Attorney Carlos Garcia confirmed that Sister Ugboaja has been granted protection from removal to Nigeria due to the risk of torture if she were to return.
Despite this protection, she was detained and faced uncertainty regarding her future in the United States.
At a press conference on July 23, 2026, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Sister Ugboaja expressed her gratitude for the support she has received, but also her desire to speak out on behalf of others in similar situations. Officials commented on the matter.
The incident has sparked a national conversation about immigration policies, particularly concerning third-country nationals and religious personnel. It has also raised questions about the third-country removal policy implemented by the Trump administration, which has been criticized by lawyers and human rights groups.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her case, Sister Ugboaja remains hopeful.
The story of Sister Leticia Ugboaja serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of immigration policies and the need for a more compassionate and equitable approach to immigration enforcement.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: The guardian
Source: Associated Press
