Seamus Culleton, an Irish national, has been in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a Texas detention center since September after a routine license plate check led to his arrest. Culleton, originally from Glenmore in County Kilkenny, came to the United States in 2009 under a visa waiver program, which allowed him a 90-day stay. Over a decade later, his extended stay has culminated in a legal battle and pending deportation.
Working as a plasterer in the Boston area for over two decades, Culleton's situation came to a head last year when police outside a Massachusetts Home Depot ran a check on his vehicle's license plate. Transferred initially to Buffalo, New York, he was later moved to El Paso, Texas, where he currently remains.
The case entered the legal system, and Federal Judge Kathleen Cardone was assigned to preside over it. On January 23, Judge Cardone dismissed Culleton's attempt to secure release. The ruling highlighted the stipulations of the visa waiver program, which includes a forfeiture of the right to contest removal except on asylum grounds. This policy aims to facilitate swift entry and removal processes for participants.
Despite marrying US citizen Tiffany Smyth in April 2025 and applying for a marriage-based green card, Culleton's efforts proved futile. An immigration judge had initially granted his release on $4,000 bail, which Smyth paid, but this decision was reversed, emphasizing that visa waiver participants are not eligible for bail.
On November 14, Culleton received a removal order due to his violation of the visa terms. The infrequency of Irish detainees led to a personal recollection of the order's delivery by a deportation officer. Judge Cardone left open the possibility for Culleton to contest his detention if it became unduly prolonged, and criticized ICE's administrative errors in handling his case, which caused significant distress for Culleton and his wife.
Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, defended the process, stating Culleton had received due process and had the option to be immediately removed to Ireland, an offer he declined, opting to stay in ICE custody.
McLaughlin also addressed the backlash against the Texas detention facility, emphasizing that ICE detention standards are higher than many US prisons. She encouraged those in the country illegally to take advantage of the Department of Homeland Security's offer to self-deport, which includes $2,600 and a free flight.
Culleton has spoken about the hardship of his detention, describing the physical and psychological toll it has taken on him. He and his wife are eager to start a family, a dream that is on hold due to his current circumstances.
