Irish Citizen Detained by ICE in Boston Draws International Attention

Seamus Culleton's case sparks concern from Irish government and U.S. lawmakers over his detainment and conditions

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Seamus Culleton, an Irish citizen who lived in the Boston area for nearly two decades, has drawn international attention after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa. Culleton's attorney and wife say he has no criminal record in the U.S. and was in the process of seeking a green card through his marriage to a U.S. citizen. The case has attracted the concern of the Irish government and U.S. lawmakers like Rep. Seth Moulton, who have criticized Culleton's detainment and the conditions he has described at the Texas facility where he is being held.

Why it matters

Culleton's case highlights ongoing tensions and debates around immigration enforcement, particularly the treatment of individuals who have overstayed visas but are otherwise law-abiding and seeking legal pathways to residency. The international attention on Culleton's case also underscores the diplomatic implications when U.S. immigration actions involve foreign citizens.

The details

Seamus Culleton, a 40-year-old Irish citizen, was arrested by ICE approximately five months ago despite having no criminal record in the U.S. and being in the process of seeking a green card through his marriage to a U.S. citizen. Culleton's attorney, Ogor Winnie Okoye, said he overstayed his visa in 2009 but was the "perfect candidate" for the government to exercise "favorable discretion" given his pending green card application. However, Culleton has been detained at a facility in Texas, where he has described the conditions as akin to a "concentration camp" with limited access to fresh air, sunshine and adequate food.

  • Culleton was arrested by ICE approximately 5 months ago.
  • Culleton's case has attracted international attention in recent weeks.

The players

Seamus Culleton

A 40-year-old Irish citizen who lived in the Boston area for nearly two decades before being detained by ICE for overstaying his visa, despite having no criminal record in the U.S. and being in the process of seeking a green card through his marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Ogor Winnie Okoye

Culleton's attorney, who stated that his client was the "perfect candidate" for the government to exercise "favorable discretion" given his pending green card application.

Tiffany Smith

Culleton's wife, a U.S. citizen, who expressed hope that her husband can be released and they can "finish what we started" in regards to his green card application.

Helen McEntee

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, whose government has been in touch with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over Culleton's case.

Seth Moulton

A Massachusetts Congressman and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, who criticized the detainment of Culleton and questioned why he was being held despite his pending green card application.

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What they’re saying

“He's just the perfect candidate to have the government exercise a favorable discretion on his behalf.”

— Ogor Winnie Okoye, Culleton's attorney (koco.com)

“I hope Seamus can get released. I hope he can come home. And we can finish what we started.”

— Tiffany Smith, Culleton's wife (koco.com)

“If this administration truly cared about following legal pathways to immigration, like they claim to, why detain Seamus? Even with a green card application pending, he's still been locked up and held in inhumane conditions in Texas.”

— Seth Moulton (koco.com)

What’s next

The Irish government has been in touch with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding Culleton's case, and it remains to be seen if any further diplomatic pressure or intervention will lead to his release.

The takeaway

Culleton's case highlights the complex and often contentious nature of immigration enforcement, particularly when it involves individuals who are actively seeking legal status but are still subject to detention. His story underscores the need for a more humane and pragmatic approach to immigration policy that balances security concerns with compassion for those trying to navigate the system.