“I will not pretend it didn’t hurt” – Nigerian nun recounts fear after US immigration arrest on way to Mass

A Nigerian Catholic nun detained by U.S. immigration officers while walking to Sunday Mass in Texas has spoken publicly for the first time about the ordeal, describing it as a deeply painful experience that continues to haunt her weeks after the arrest.

“I will not pretend it didn’t hurt and it’s still hurting me up to today,” Sister Leticia Ugboaja said, her voice filled with emotion as she addressed a news conference at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, Texas yesterday.

The religious sister, a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on June 28 while making her usual walk to Mass at the parish, located just a few miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.

Recalling the moments before her arrest, Sister Leticia said she was simply following her daily routine when two armed officers approached her.

“I was very much afraid. I was walking to Mass as I do every Sunday and, of course, every day, when I was stopped by the ICE. I did not do anything else,” she said.

The encounter, she said, left her shaken.

“When I have two men armed, I’m just a small woman, a nun, armless, just with my rosary, my key, and my phone.”

Her arrest drew widespread attention after parish officials shared news of the incident on social media. The case quickly gained national attention, prompting intervention from elected officials, including U.S. Representative Monica de la Cruz.

At the news conference, Sister Leticia did not dwell on legal arguments. Instead, she made a heartfelt appeal for compassion and fairness towards people facing immigration enforcement.

“What I am asking is just simple,” she said.

“Before anyone is being taken into custody or being taken anywhere from home, from their parishes, from their places of work, or even walking on the streets, just give them the chance, give them the opportunity so that they can be heard.”

She insisted that every person deserves the opportunity to explain their situation before being detained.

“I believe every person in this situation like me deserves to be heard, deserves to be listened to, deserves to be given attention and opportunity and to be given another chance to say what they have.”