Mass. Woman Pleads for Husband's Release from ICE Detention

Seamus Culleton has been held at an ICE facility in Texas for nearly 5 months after being arrested at a Home Depot in Massachusetts.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A Massachusetts woman is fighting for her husband Seamus Culleton's release from an ICE detention center in Texas, where he has been held for nearly 5 months after being arrested at a Home Depot in Saugus, Massachusetts. Culleton, an Irish national, was in the process of securing a green card through his marriage to an American citizen when he was detained by ICE agents. His wife and attorney argue he should be allowed to adjust his immigration status, but ICE claims his pending green card application does not give him legal status to remain in the country.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges faced by immigrants seeking legal status in the U.S., even those who are married to American citizens. It also raises questions about ICE enforcement tactics and the treatment of detainees in immigration detention centers.

The details

Seamus Culleton, a 40-year-old Irish national, was arrested by ICE agents in September 2025 while gathering supplies for his plastering business at a Home Depot in Saugus, Massachusetts. Culleton had entered the U.S. in 2009 through a visa waiver program but overstayed his visa. He was in the process of securing a green card through his marriage to American citizen Tiffany Smith when he was detained. Culleton's attorney argues that his marriage-based adjustment application was still pending, and that immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are typically exempted from deportation. However, ICE claims Culleton's pending green card application does not give him legal status to remain in the country, and that he was offered the chance to return to Ireland but chose to remain in detention.

  • Culleton entered the U.S. through a visa waiver program in March 2009.
  • Culleton was arrested by ICE agents in September 2025.
  • Culleton and Tiffany Smith got married in April 2025.

The players

Seamus Culleton

A 40-year-old Irish national who owns a local plastering business in Wakefield, Massachusetts and is the husband of an American citizen.

Tiffany Smith

The wife of Seamus Culleton and an American citizen who is fighting for her husband's release from ICE detention.

Ogor Winnie Okoye

The attorney representing Seamus Culleton in his case.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The government agency that oversees ICE and is responsible for Culleton's detention.

Minister for the Foreign Affairs of Ireland

The Irish government official who is aware of Culleton's case and is working directly with the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“We tried to do everything the right way that you're supposed to do so I'm just begging, just let us at least finish that.”

— Tiffany Smith, Wife of Seamus Culleton (nbcboston.com)

“He probably has lost about 30-40 pounds, he looks yellow like someone who's jaundiced, and he also explained that he looked like that because he is barely let out.”

— Ogor Winnie Okoye, Attorney for Seamus Culleton (nbcboston.com)

“Historically and statutorily, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens get that exemption.”

— Ogor Winnie Okoye, Attorney for Seamus Culleton (nbcboston.com)

What’s next

The minister for the Foreign Affairs of Ireland said she is aware of Culleton's case and is working directly with the Department of Homeland Security to advocate for his release.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often challenging immigration system in the U.S., where even those married to American citizens can face detention and deportation. It underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform to address the plight of immigrants seeking legal status.