The Episcopal Diocese of Texas is calling for due process and humane treatment for one of its priests, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) even though he’s legally in the country and a Texas state employee.
Rev. James Eliud Ngahu Mwangi, originally from Kenya, was detained by ICE on Oct. 25 in the Houston-area city of Conroe after leaving his job with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at a corrections facility, the Houston Chronicle reports. Mwangi has a legal permit to live and work in the United States, according to diocese officials.
Officials with the diocese told Religious News Service, which broke the story, that they don’t know why the priest was detained, especially because he’s a state employee.
“The Episcopal Diocese of Texas stands firmly for justice, dignity and compassion for every person,” the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, IX Bishop of Texas in a Monday statement, which didn’t name Mwangi. “This priest has served both the church and the State of Texas faithfully. We are praying for his safety, for his family’s peace of mind and for fair and humane treatment as this case moves forward.”
In its statement, the diocese added that Mwangi’s family went several days without knowing where he was before locating him at an immigration detention center in Conroe.
The Episcopal Diocese stated that it’s providing legal and pastoral support as Mwangi and his family navigate the detention system. Meanwhile, it is calling on government officials for further assistance.
“The Episcopal Diocese of Texas urges transparency, due process and respect for all individuals working legally in public service,” the statement continued, adding that “the diocese also calls on our representatives in power to assist.”
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