A respected Kenyan priest and Texas state employee has chosen to voluntarily leave the United States after nearly two months in immigration detention, a decision his lawyers describe as a strategic move to preserve his future rights rather than an admission of wrongdoing. Rev. James Eliud Ngahu Mwangi, who served as an assistant rector in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and worked as a correctional officer, opted for self-deportation and is expected to return to Kenya this month.

The case has sent ripples of concern through the Kenyan community in the U.S., highlighting the precarious position of immigrants navigating a complex and often contradictory legal landscape. Rev. Mwangi's ordeal began on October 25, 2025, when he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Huntsville, Texas, following a routine traffic stop.

At the heart of the matter are conflicting claims over his legal status. ICE officials alleged that Rev. Mwangi had overstayed a B-1 business visa and was under a departure order effective May 16, 2024. However, his supporters and employer, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), confirmed he possessed a valid work authorization through 2029, a fact verified via the federal E-Verify system.

A Legal Quagmire

Rev. Mwangi's attorney, Laban O. Opande, emphasized that the priest had a pending asylum application, which legally permitted him to work and reside in the U.S. while his case was reviewed. Despite this, an immigration judge denied him bond, prolonging his detention. "He feels like he's in prison," Opande noted to the Houston Chronicle. "He has endured confinement without cause, and it has been deeply stressful."

The Episcopal Diocese of Texas voiced its strong support for the priest, expressing "deep concern" over his arrest and calling for humane treatment. Bishop C. Andrew Doyle stated, "This priest has served both the Church and the State of Texas faithfully." The diocese confirmed it was providing legal and pastoral support to Mwangi and his family throughout the ordeal.

A Strategic Return

Faced with indefinite detention, Rev. Mwangi chose what his legal team calls a strategic departure. Opting for voluntary return, rather than being formally deported, may preserve his eligibility to legally re-enter the U.S. in the future. This decision underscores the painful choices many Kenyans face when caught in the gears of the U.S. immigration system.

Rev. Mwangi's departure is a significant loss for his community at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Huntsville, where he helped establish a Swahili-language congregation. While his community is described as "heartbroken by the trauma," they remain grateful for the outpouring of support. A fundraising effort has been started to assist him as he prepares to resettle in Kenya.