Nigerian-born Roman Catholic nun and nurse Leticia “Letty” Ugboaja, detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in June while walking to church in South Texas, has spoken out for the first time about the traumatic experience, calling for fair treatment and due process for immigrants during immigration enforcement actions.
The incident occurred late June when Ugboaja, a devoted member of the Lady of Sorrows Church, was on her way to Sunday mass near the U.S.-Mexico border. She was approached and arrested by armed male ICE officers despite being unarmed and carrying only her rosary, keys, and phone. The nun described herself as a “small woman, a nun, harmless,” and said the sudden arrest left her deeply hurt and traumatized, with the emotional scars still present months later.
Her case gained national attention after the church released a statement detailing the incident, prompting intervention from U.S. House Representatives Henry Cuellar (Democrat) and Monica De La Cruz (Republican), both from Texas. Their advocacy, along with public outcry, led to her release later that same day. However, Ugboaja remains under ICE supervision and is required to report regularly, with her next check-in scheduled for July 28.
In her first public statement since the arrest, Ugboaja emphasized the need for compassion and fairness in immigration enforcement. She urged the Trump administration to ensure that individuals are given the opportunity to be heard before being taken into custody, whether at home, at work, or while attending religious services. “It is not just a simple request,” she said, “but it is because I believe every person in this situation like me deserves to be heard, listened to, given attention and opportunity to have another chance to say what they have.”
Her lawyer, Carlos Garcia, echoed these concerns, stressing that Ugboaja has not broken any laws, posed no threat, and has contributed significantly to American society through a decade of nursing and lifelong religious ministry. He called for her not to be detained during her upcoming appointment and for ICE to refrain from placing an ankle monitor on someone with no criminal record.
The case has sparked broader discussions about immigration enforcement practices and the rights of lawful residents and religious workers. As Ugboaja continues her journey of healing and advocacy, her story remains a powerful reminder of the human impact behind immigration policies. Her voice, once silenced by fear, now calls for dignity, justice, and respect for all immigrants, regardless of their background or faith.
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