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Irish Man Held in ICE Detention for Five Months Despite Valid U.S. Work Permit
An Irish national with a valid U.S. work permit and a pending green card application has been held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for nearly five months, drawing international attention and criticism over immigration enforcement practices.
Feb. 11, 2026
Seamus Culleton, a 42-year-old native of County Kilkenny, Ireland, has lived in the United States for nearly two decades and runs a plastering business in Boston. He was arrested by ICE agents in September 2025 during what he described as a routine interaction while returning home from work. Culleton, who married a U.S. citizen and has a pending application for lawful permanent residence, holds valid work authorization tied to that process.
Despite this, Culleton has remained in custody at an ICE detention facility in El Paso, Texas, for almost five months. His continued detention has reportedly prevented him from attending his final green card interview — a crucial step toward obtaining permanent residency.
Conditions and Family Concerns
From detention, Culleton has painted a grim picture of life behind bars. He described the conditions as harsh, with overcrowded tents, minimal access to outdoor space, limited food, and unsanitary facilities. He told Irish media outlets that detainees often endure “very small meals” and have “barely any outside time,” saying the experience feels like “torture.”
His wife, Tiffany Smith, said she has struggled to stay informed about his wellbeing and was shocked by the dramatic weight loss and stress evident in his appearance when they last spoke.
Legal and Diplomatic Responses
Culleton’s attorneys have challenged the legality of his detention, noting that he has no criminal record and that he presented valid documentation of his work authorization and ongoing residency application. According to some reports, a judge previously approved his release on bond, which his wife posted — but ICE has continued to hold him, citing a disputed claim that he signed deportation paperwork.
The case has also drawn diplomatic attention. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular support, and officials have acknowledged a rise in such cases involving Irish citizens. Some Irish politicians have called on the government to raise Culleton’s plight directly with U.S. officials, including during an upcoming St. Patrick’s Day visit by Ireland’s prime minister to Washington.
Broader Immigration Debate
The case highlights ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration enforcement, particularly under the current administration, which has taken a tougher stance on immigration policy.
While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains that ICE follows strict detention standards and that pending applications do not confer legal permanent status, advocates argue detaining individuals engaged in the legal immigration process — especially those with valid work permits — raises serious humanitarian and procedural concerns.
As Culleton’s detention continues, his family and supporters remain hopeful that increased public and diplomatic pressure will lead to his release and a resolution of his immigration status.