Mwangi, an Episcopal priest and former state prison guard, faced a complicated legal limbo despite holding a valid work permit and lawful employment with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
The ordeal began following a routine traffic stop in Huntsville, Texas, when local police alerted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which subsequently took Mwangi into custody.
The ordeal began following a routine traffic stop in Huntsville, Texas, when local police alerted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which subsequently took Mwangi into custody.
The precise reason for the detention remains unclear, but it resulted in a prolonged stay behind razor wire with no clear timeline for release.
According to Mwangi’s attorney, Laban O. Opande, the clergyman’s confinement had begun to feel indistinguishable from punishment.
According to Mwangi’s attorney, Laban O. Opande, the clergyman’s confinement had begun to feel indistinguishable from punishment.
“He feels like he’s in prison,” Opande said. “There was no need to deny bond. He has endured confinement without cause, and it has been deeply stressful for him and his family.”
During his detention, Mwangi had limited options. Voluntary departure presented a way to reclaim a measure of control over his situation while preserving the potential to legally return to the United States in the future.
During his detention, Mwangi had limited options. Voluntary departure presented a way to reclaim a measure of control over his situation while preserving the potential to legally return to the United States in the future.
“Given the circumstances, he decided that returning home is the safest way to protect his rights,” Opande explained.
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas described the experience as traumatic, not only for Mwangi but also for his loved ones, highlighting the emotional toll of prolonged detention.
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas described the experience as traumatic, not only for Mwangi but also for his loved ones, highlighting the emotional toll of prolonged detention.
Church leaders and parishioners have rallied around him, providing support and assistance in anticipation of his return to Kenya. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Huntsville has even launched a fundraising initiative to help Mwangi rebuild his life upon arrival.
While ICE stated that Mwangi had overstayed a visa and was ordered to leave the U.S. in May 2024, TDCJ insisted that his employment authorization was valid, verified through the E-Verify system, and supported by his pending asylum application.
While ICE stated that Mwangi had overstayed a visa and was ordered to leave the U.S. in May 2024, TDCJ insisted that his employment authorization was valid, verified through the E-Verify system, and supported by his pending asylum application.
Mwangi’s case reflects the challenges faced by foreign nationals legally employed in the United States, particularly when bureaucratic and legal complexities intersect.
Mwangi’s decision to self-deport mirrors similar cases involving Kenyan nationals who have faced prolonged immigration challenges in the U.S.
Mwangi’s decision to self-deport mirrors similar cases involving Kenyan nationals who have faced prolonged immigration challenges in the U.S.
In August, Samuel Kangethe voluntarily returned to Kenya after 16 years in Michigan to avoid imminent arrest and deportation.
Kangethe’s story, like Mwangi’s, highlights the precarious position of immigrants caught in unresolved legal disputes.
Upon his return, Mwangi plans to focus on rebuilding his ministry and reconnecting with his community in Kenya. While the decision was difficult, it offers a clear path forward amid an otherwise uncertain situation.
Upon his return, Mwangi plans to focus on rebuilding his ministry and reconnecting with his community in Kenya. While the decision was difficult, it offers a clear path forward amid an otherwise uncertain situation.
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