Seamus Culleton

Seamus Culleton, an Irish man originally from County Kilkenny, has been held in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention for five months and faces deportation despite possessing a valid work permit. He has resided in the US for over 20 years and is married to an American citizen. Culleton's case has gained attention due to the length of his detention and the fact that he seemingly has no criminal record in the US. However, an Irish court issued a warrant for his arrest related to a 2009 drug offense in Ireland. Culleton claims he fears for his life in the Texas detention center, describing conditions as akin to “torture” and appealing to the Irish government for assistance. His lawyer describes him as a “model immigrant” and attributes his situation to a flawed system. The case highlights concerns about ICE detention practices and the potential for deportation despite valid work permits.