Judge Orders Release of Priest from Aurora Detention
A federal magistrate ordered the release of a 78-year-old Ugandan priest held for 13 months without a clear deportation plan.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Immigration
U.S. Magistrate Judge Cyrus Y. Chung ordered the release of Edward Nalwamba from an Aurora immigration detention center after federal officials failed to provide a concrete plan for his removal to Uganda. The 78-year-old priest had been held for 13 months.
Why it matters
The decision highlights judicial scrutiny over the government's inability to secure deportation pathways. It specifically underscores concerns regarding the detention of elderly individuals facing significant medical issues while in federal custody.
Nalwamba, a 78-year-old priest, was held for 13 months at the Aurora facility after being arrested in September 2025. He has experienced significant health declines, including a 20-pound weight loss over two weeks and an ongoing respiratory infection.
The players
Cyrus Y. Chung
Cyrus Y. Chung is a U.S. Magistrate Judge who presided over the case regarding the detention of Edward Nalwamba.
Edward Nalwamba
Edward Nalwamba is a 78-year-old Ugandan priest who has resided in the United States since 2002.
The details
Judge Chung ruled for the release after determining officials could not provide certainty regarding the feasibility of removing the priest to Uganda. The priest, who arrived in the U.S. in 2002, reportedly faced pressure from ICE agents to sign legal documents without proper review.
Timeline
Nalwamba arrived in the United States in 2002.
The priest lived under supervised release beginning in 2010.
Nalwamba was arrested in September 2025.
Respiratory infection symptoms began in early June 2026.
Judge Chung issued the release order on October 19, 2026.
Political Context
The ruling draws sharp criticism from immigration enforcement advocates who argue that judicial intervention in detention facility operations complicates federal agency mandates. Conversely, civil rights groups cite this case as evidence of the need for stricter judicial oversight regarding the medical care and length of detention for elderly residents.
This decision sets a precedent for how local detention centers must justify the continued custody of individuals when federal removal timelines are stalled. Residents may see increased scrutiny regarding the operational standards and medical protocols at the Aurora facility.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the limits of federal detention authority when officials fail to meet the standard of providing a viable removal plan. Legal experts suggest that such rulings prioritize the humanitarian needs of detainees, particularly those with serious health conditions.
Further reading
For additional context on local enforcement, see the Immigration news section.
