An Irish man, who has been in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the past five months, is enduring severe conditions despite holding a valid work permit. His wife, Tiffany Smyth, is advocating fervently for his release, describing the emotional toll of the situation during a press conference held on Wednesday.
Plea for Help Amid Dire Circumstances
Seamus Culleton, originally from County Kilkenny, has been detained since 9 September 2025. Despite having married a US citizen and applying for lawful permanent residency, he continues to face the grim reality of ICE detention. Tiffany Smyth, a lifelong resident of the Boston area and a US citizen, expressed her heartbreak over the ordeal.
“I just want him home where he belongs. I want us to be able to finish what we started,” Smyth stated, her voice breaking with emotion. “Seamus is a good man. He doesn’t deserve what is going on, and it’s heartbreaking. I don’t know how I’ve gone on these last five months; it’s just been awful, and I don’t wish this upon anybody.”
Culleton, who runs a plastering business in Boston, reported to Ireland’s RTÉ radio that conditions at his detention facility in Texas are akin to “torture,” voicing fears for his safety in what he describes as a volatile environment. His lawyer, Ogor Winnie Okoye, confirmed that Culleton has been transferred multiple times between various ICE facilities, including to El Paso, Texas.
Complicated Immigration Background
Culleton entered the United States in 2009 through a visa waiver programme, which allowed him to stay for 90 days. After overstaying, he married a US citizen and initiated the process for lawful permanent residence, obtaining a statutory exemption that permitted him to work legally.
Despite this, Culleton was apprehended by ICE while returning items to a Home Depot in Saugus, Massachusetts. Okoye believes he was identified as a non-citizen through a simple license plate check. Such locations have become hotspots for ICE operations, often targeting immigrants who gather there in search of day labour opportunities.
“Culleton is still in ICE detention under extremely dire conditions,” Okoye remarked. “He is in danger of being removed from the United States any day.” She emphasised the urgent need for his release, allowing him to continue his adjustment process to lawful permanent resident status.
Government Response and Support
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has stepped in, providing consular assistance through its consulate in Austin, Texas. The embassy in Washington is also engaging with the US Department of Homeland Security at a senior level to advocate for Culleton’s case.
Okoye has pointed out that Culleton represents an ideal candidate for the government to exercise discretion in his favour. She emphasised that he poses no flight risk and is not involved in any criminal activity.
Why it Matters
The case of Seamus Culleton shines a spotlight on the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly the treatment of individuals in detention. It raises critical questions about the balance between immigration policy and human rights, especially for those who have made significant contributions to their communities. As his wife continues to fight for his release, the implications of this case resonate far beyond personal tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in the immigration system that account for compassion and humanity.
