Kenyan Priest Detained in Texas Chooses Voluntary Return to Kenya

An Episcopal priest held in immigration detention in Texas for nearly two months has decided to leave the United States voluntarily and return to Kenya, citing delays in his case and continued confinement.

The Rev. James Eliud Ngahu Mwangi, who also worked as a prison guard for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this year. His arrest followed a traffic stop in Huntsville, after which local police contacted federal authorities. ICE took Mwangi into custody despite his holding a valid work permit.

Mwangi had been employed by TDCJ under authorisation verified through the federal E-Verify system. However, ICE placed him in removal proceedings, asserting that he had overstayed a visa and was subject to an order to leave the country issued in May 2024. The exact reason for the initial traffic stop has not been publicly explained.

The lawyer, Laban O. Opande, said the detention was unjustified and prolonged without clear legal basis. He said that Mwangi was denied bond and remained in custody despite having lawful permission to work. The Episcopal Diocese of Texas has also raised concerns, describing the detention as distressing for Mwangi and his family.

TDCJ has said Mwangi’s work permit was valid and linked to a pending asylum application. The differing positions taken by state and federal authorities have highlighted inconsistencies in how employment authorisation and immigration status are assessed. Mwangi is among hundreds of foreign nationals employed by TDCJ, including at least 20 from Kenya. The department has not said whether other international staff have faced similar action.

After weeks in detention and limited progress in his case, Mwangi chose voluntary departure on legal advice. His lawyer said the decision allows him to avoid a formal removal order and keeps open the possibility of applying to return to the United States in the future.

Mwangi remains at the Conroe detention centre while arrangements for his departure are finalised. St Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Huntsville, where he served, has begun raising funds to support him as he prepares to resettle in Kenya.