Members of Congress successfully intervened to secure the release of a Roman Catholic nun who was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sunday while walking to mass in south Texas.
Sister Leticia Ugboaja was detained by ICE officers a few miles from the US-Mexico border while heading toward Our Lady of Sorrows church in McAllen, Texas.
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The federal agency released her back to her home by Monday following a swift intervention by US House member Monica de la Cruz and other local representatives.
The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, confirmed that Ugboaja is a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and works as an extraordinary minister of holy communion.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE have not provided comments regarding the incident.
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Diocese spokesperson Brenda Riojas expressed gratitude toward the congressional representatives who contacted federal authorities to facilitate the swift release of the church volunteer.
"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," said Riojas.
Faith leaders across the region have started adjusting their operations as immigration enforcement intensifies at sensitive locations during Donald Trump's second presidency.
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Some congregations have introduced online worship services and coordinated errand assistance to support members who are now too fearful to leave their homes.
