U. S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers released a Roman Catholic nun from custody on Monday, a day after detaining her while she walked to Mass in McAllen, Texas.
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Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, was intercepted a few miles from the U.
S. -Mexico border.
She was walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in her habit.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media and prompted several South Texas congressional representatives to intervene directly with the Department of Homeland Security.
U. S.
Representative Monica De La Cruz confirmed the resolution after her office coordinated with federal immigration authorities.
“I’m pleased to announce that Sister Letty will be coming home.
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My office worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security, and I’m grateful they acted to resolve this quickly,” De La Cruz said.
U. S.
Representative Henry Cuellar also engaged with high-level federal officials to speed up the release process on Sunday.
“After communicating with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Tom Homan, I’m pleased to share that Sister Letty is on her way home.
The order has been given for her to be released today instead of tomorrow, and she’ll be home tonight,” Cuellar said.
The Diocese of Brownsville confirmed that Ugboaja works as a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
“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 Brenda Riojas, spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, Texas.
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The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not responded to requests for comment regarding the specific grounds for Ugboaja's detention.
