Story perspectives

ICE releases Nigerian nun after congressional pressure

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

ICE detained Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a Nigerian nun, on June 28 in McAllen, Texas.
She was released hours later after parish officials’ social-media posts prompted congressional intervention.
Her lawyer Carlos M. Garcia said a 2019 judge denied her asylum but granted protection because she faces torture in Nigeria.
ICE said it plans to transfer her to a third country under the Trump administration’s removal policy and scheduled a check-in next week.

1 of 1

Story summary

ICE detained Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a Nigerian nun, on June 28 in McAllen, Texas.
She was released hours later after parish officials’ social-media posts prompted congressional intervention.
Her lawyer Carlos M. Garcia said a 2019 judge denied her asylum but granted protection because she faces torture in Nigeria.
ICE said it plans to transfer her to a third country under the Trump administration’s removal policy and scheduled a check-in next week.