# Nun Detained by ICE Speaks Out for the First Time Sister Leticia Ugboaja shares her experience of detention. - **Source:** [Fortune](https://fortune.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-24 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1cbb91db-4817-423f-a1c4-5cc2e2af5538 ## The Moment of Detention Sister Leticia Ugboaja was detained by two armed men while walking to Sunday Mass. She described feeling cold sweats and confusion in that moment. ## Immigration Process Ugboaja had been under protection for years due to the risk of deportation to Nigeria. In 2019, an immigration judge approved this protection, citing the likelihood of torture in Nigeria. ## Public Reaction Ugboaja’s detention gained attention on social media, prompting congressional intervention. This highlighted broader issues with immigration policies. ## Legal Proceedings Ugboaja’s attorney, Carlos M. Garcia, stated that no explanation was given during her detention, but she was slated for removal to a third country. ## Professional Background Ugboaja is a registered nurse at South Texas Health System and previously worked as a certified nursing assistant in Edinburg for 10 years. ## Decision to Speak Out Ugboaja emphasized the need for people to be heard before detention. She shared her story to help others in similar situations. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/07/24/nun-ice-detention-texas-speaks-out/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._