Kenyan-born Cleric Detained by US Immigration Authorities in Texas

A Kenyan-born Episcopal priest serving in Texas has been detained by US immigration authorities.

James Eliud Ngahu Mwangi, who ministers under the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, was arrested on 1 November and is being held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Conroe, north of Houston. Diocesan officials said he had been working legally in the state with a valid work permit and was detained while travelling home after completing duties with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 

ICE has not issued a formal explanation for his arrest. In a statement, the Episcopal Diocese of Texas described the detention as unjustified and said it is providing support to Mwangi’s family and parish community. Bishop C. Andrew Doyle confirmed that Mwangi has been able to contact relatives and is “OK,” but added that church officials remain uncertain about the reason for his detention. 

The diocese said it is in communication with regional authorities and has urged elected representatives to intervene. Requests for comment from the Department of Homeland Security have not yet been answered. 

Reports surrounding the case suggest that Mwangi may have overstayed his authorised stay in the United States. He is believed to have entered the country on a B-1 visa, a short-term business visa requiring departure by May 2024. 

While this type of visa does not permit employment or long-term residence, the diocese maintains that Mwangi’s current work status is properly documented under a valid permit. The lack of information from ICE has caused frustration among church members who say the situation raises concerns about fairness and transparency in immigration enforcement.

The detention comes amid renewed emphasis on immigration control under President Donald Trump. In a recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump described migration as a threat to national security and cultural identity and reiterated his opposition to birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment.