ICE Releases 79-Year-Old Ugandan Priest From Colorado Detention Center

A 79-year-old retired Ugandan priest was released from an immigration detention facility in Aurora, Colorado, following a federal judge's order after spending 13 months in custody. The Rev. Edward Nalwamba was carried out of the facility on Tuesday evening by two men who were released alongside him, as facility guards had removed his wheelchair.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Cyrus Y. Chung ordered the immediate release of the retired priest on Monday. In his ruling, the judge stated that federal officials had failed to provide any certainty or a concrete plan regarding his removal to Uganda, despite previous claims by Immigration and Customs Enforcement that his deportation was imminent.

Known to his congregants and friends as Father Edward, Nalwamba originally traveled to the United States in 2002 to attend a religious conference. He chose to remain in the country out of fear of government retaliation if he returned to Uganda, having previously faced targeting for publicly opposing the government.

Nalwamba stated that he consistently complied with immigration check-ins after being arrested and subsequently released under a supervision order in 2010. However, immigration authorities arrested him again in September of last year, leading to his prolonged detention at the Aurora facility managed by the Geo Group.

During his 13 months in detention, Nalwamba's health deteriorated significantly. His attorney, Joy Athanasiou, noted that he contracted pneumonia, lost more than 30 pounds within a short timeframe, and can no longer stand or walk independently. He also continues to suffer from an undiagnosed respiratory illness and exhibits early signs of prostate cancer.

Despite securing his release, Nalwamba currently lacks legal status, and his immigration case remains ongoing. Supporters and legal counsel celebrated his freedom outside the facility following months of organized prayer services, weekly visits, and appeals to federal officials.

Representatives for Senator John Hickenlooper's office had visited the facility earlier on Tuesday and were reportedly assured that a wheelchair would be available for Nalwamba's departure. Senator Hickenlooper later condemned the removal of the wheelchair on social media, calling the action inexcusable.