The detention of a Catholic nun by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers while she was walking to Sunday Mass has ignited a firestorm of controversy and prompted swift intervention from members of Congress. Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a registered nurse and member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, was taken into custody on June 28 as she headed to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The incident quickly garnered widespread attention, with local faith leaders, parishioners, and advocacy groups expressing concern over the manner in which the nun was detained. The swift response from lawmakers, including U.S. Reps. Monica de la Cruz and Henry Cuellar, highlighted the growing unease over immigration enforcement practices in the region.

The Nun’s Detention and Subsequent Release

Sister Leticia, known for her volunteer work as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, was released the same evening after congressional intervention. Rep. Henry Cuellar revealed that he had communicated with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and border czar Tom Homan to secure her immediate release.

“[Homan] said he’d take care of it. I want to thank the DHS secretary and Homan for helping her get released” on Sunday, Cuellar said. The congressman emphasized that the manner in which Sister Leticia was detained was inappropriate and that there were more suitable ways to address her situation.

Community Reaction and Congressional Response

The image of a nun in full habit being detained while walking to church on a Sunday morning sent shockwaves through the community. Rep. Cuellar stated that such actions instill fear and are not representative of American values. “If there’s fear, it should be focused on criminals,” he asserted, emphasizing that those who pose a threat to public safety should be the primary target of ICE operations.

Brenda Riojas, a spokeswoman for the Diocese of Brownsville, expressed gratitude for the quick response of local representatives who reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to secure Sister Leticia’s release. Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville described the nun as “a well-known source of goodness and hope in our community” and called for reforms in Homeland Security enforcement protocols.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Concerns

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) launched a petition calling for an immediate investigation into the nun’s detention. The petition highlighted concerns about unlawful enforcement practices and the lack of oversight, stating that “this incident highlights the concerns that advocates, faith leaders, and community organizations have raised for months.”

The incident comes amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has included operations near houses of worship. An ICE spokesperson noted that while the agency is not subject to previous restrictions on immigration operations at sensitive locations, it does not indiscriminately take enforcement actions at these locations.

In January, the Department of Homeland Security removed places of worship from its sensitive locations list, allowing ICE agents to carry out immigration enforcement procedures. Following a lawsuit from a group of 27 religious organizations, ICE was temporarily blocked in March 2026 from carrying out deportations in places of worship. However, one month later, a federal judge found the organizations did not have legal standing, thereby allowing operations to continue.

Bishops in South Texas have reported increased anxiety among parishioners, with some opting to attend Mass virtually or requesting assistance with errands to avoid leaving their homes. Bishops in other parts of the country have issued dispensations from Mass attendance for those who fear deportation.

San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller expressed his commitment to reaching out to those who are hidden, stating, “That’s our work. We will go and find them in their homes, bring catechists and Communion to their homes.”

As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of Sister Leticia’s detention, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the impact on vulnerable communities.