Irish Man Held in ICE Detention for Five Months Despite Valid Work Permit
Seamus Culleton, an Irish national from County Kilkenny, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for over five months, despite possessing a valid work permit and being married to an American citizen. His case has sparked outrage and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Arrest and Detention Details
Mr Culleton was apprehended by ICE agents in September 2025 while driving home from work in Massachusetts. He recalls noticing a man in blue sunglasses before other agents appeared. Although he informed officers he was married to a US citizen and held a work permit while awaiting his green card, he was taken into custody.
Initially placed in a holding cell in Massachusetts, he was subsequently transferred to New York and then to the El Paso detention centre in Texas. He claims ICE agents attempted to pressure him into signing deportation papers, which he refused.
Harsh Conditions Described
In an interview with RTE's Liveline programme, Mr Culleton described the El Paso facility as "horrible," comparing it to a "modern day concentration camp." He reported inadequate sanitation, limited food, and widespread illness among detainees.
He detailed living conditions where 72 people were housed in a tent measuring 16 by 35 feet with no ceiling, featuring bunk beds and a central table. The environment was described as "filthy," with "nasty" toilets and showers. Mr Culleton stated he has "definitely" lost weight due to competition for food and limited outdoor time, having been outside only a handful of times in over four months.
Psychological and Physical Toll
"There is no real quality of life here. I've been locked in the same room now for four and a half months," Mr Culleton said. "It's just torture. I don't know how much more I can take." He expressed fear for his life from the security firm managing the centre, whom he described as "capable of anything."
His family in Ireland, particularly his mother, is deeply affected. "She's heartbroken that I'm in here," he shared, worrying about her health due to constant stress. Mr Culleton's sister, Caroline, added that he has suffered sores, infections, and hair loss, with his health deteriorating significantly.
Family's Struggle and Appeals
Mr Culleton's wife, Tiffany, described the "shock" of his detention and the "awful" experience of trying to maintain contact. She did not hear from him for almost a week after his arrest and faced challenges visiting him, noting that while ICE officially allows visits, it is "almost impossible to set one up."
She has attempted to contact US senators and President Donald Trump about the case but received no response. The family is appealing to Irish premier Micheal Martin to raise the issue directly with President Trump during their scheduled White House meeting in March.
Official Response
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that Minister McEntee is aware of the case and that consular assistance is being provided by the Consulate General in Austin, Texas, and the consular unit in Dublin. The embassy in Washington DC is engaging with the Department of Homeland Security at a senior level regarding Mr Culleton's detention.
This case highlights ongoing controversies surrounding ICE detention practices and the plight of immigrants with legal status facing prolonged custody under harsh conditions.
