President Donald Trump’s administration has been forced to release United States of America-based Nigerian Roman Catholic nun and nurse, Leticia Ugboaja, from immigration detention after she was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while on the way to church on Sunday.

In a statement by her parish, the Lady of Sorrows Church, Ms Ugboaja was walking to the church to attend a mass as usual in South Texas, near U.S.-Mexico border on Sunday when ICE officers detained and took her into custody.

“We ask our parish family to please keep this religious sister Letty in your prayers. Reports indicate that she was detained by ICE while on her way to Sunday Mass. We pray for her safety, peace, and strength during this difficult time, and we hope for a swift and just resolution that allows her to be released soon,” the church posted on social media.

The case immediately gained traction after the church published the statement, drawing the attention of U.S. House of Representatives members from Texas, which included Democrat Henry Cuellar and Republican Monica De La Cruz, who intervened in the matter.

“My team and I are working with DHS to gather details regarding the detainment of Sister Letty Ugboaja of Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy. I have elevated this to the highest levels and will provide additional information as it becomes available,” Ms Cruz on Sunday.

“Following my advocacy to senior Administration officials, Sister Letty Ugboaja will be released. Please join me in praying for Sister Letty and the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy,” she added in a follow-up statement. 

Another member of the House of Representatives, Lou Correa, a Democrat representing California, raised the issue on the House floor, questioning how the arrest of Ms Ugboaja — who had previously worked as a certified nursing assistant in Texas for more than a decade — made the United States of America any safer.

Ms Ugboaja was eventually released from custody on Monday night after political intervention. 

Despite her release, a Latino advocacy organisation, LULAC, wrote a petition to Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, representing Texas, demanding an answer to the decision by ICE to arrest a Catholic nun dressed in full religious clothing. 

“I demand an immediate investigation into why a Catholic nun, dressed in her religious habit and on her way to Sunday worship, was stopped and taken into custody by Border Patrol. I understand that Sister Letty is now expected to be released following intervention by DHS Secretary Mullin. 

“However, her release does not erase the fact that she should never have been detained in the first place. This incident raises serious questions about the actions of ICE and CBP,” LULAC stated.