Overview
- Parish officials say Sister Letty Ugboaja was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while walking to Sunday Mass in McAllen and was released later that day.
- South Texas representatives Monica De La Cruz and Henry Cuellar said they worked with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to secure her release from custody.
- The Diocese and local parish note Ugboaja is a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy who volunteers at Our Lady of Sorrows and also works as a nurse.
- League of United Latin American Citizens and other officials are demanding a full explanation from DHS and ICE about why she was detained and what steps will prevent similar incidents.
- The case has focused attention on immigration enforcement in the Rio Grande Valley and could push for clearer rules on actions near houses of worship and on how clergy or volunteers are identified during operations.