Irish Citizen Detained by ICE in Boston Draws International Attention

Seamus Culleton, who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years, faces uncertain future as his green card application is pending

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Seamus Culleton, an Irish citizen who has lived in the Boston area for nearly two decades, has drawn international attention after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) approximately five months ago. Culleton's attorney and wife have spoken out about his case, stating that he has no criminal record in the U.S. and was in the process of seeking a green card when he was arrested.

Why it matters

Culleton's case has sparked outrage and concern from government officials in Ireland, as well as U.S. politicians like Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton, who have criticized the conditions of the detention facility where Culleton is being held and questioned the administration's handling of his case despite his pending green card application.

The details

Culleton's attorney, Ogor Winnie Okoye, stated that Culleton overstayed his visa in 2009 but has since married a U.S. citizen and was in the process of seeking a green card. Culleton himself has compared the detention facility in Texas to a 'concentration camp' and said he fears for his life due to the lack of fresh air, sunshine, and adequate food. An Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security has denied Culleton's descriptions of the facility and said he would be released as soon as he agreed to return to Ireland.

  • Culleton was arrested by ICE approximately five months ago.
  • Culleton overstayed his visa in 2009.

The players

Seamus Culleton

An Irish citizen who has lived in the Boston area for nearly two decades and is currently detained by ICE.

Ogor Winnie Okoye

Culleton's attorney, who has spoken out about his client's case.

Tiffany Smith

Culleton's wife, who has also spoken about his case.

Helen McEntee

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

Seth Moulton

A Massachusetts Representative who is seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate and has spoken out against Culleton's detainment.

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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 (wbal.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 (wbal.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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge overseeing Culleton's case will determine whether he will be released or deported back to Ireland.

The takeaway

Culleton's case highlights the complex and often uncertain nature of the immigration system, even for those who have lived in the U.S. for years and are actively seeking legal status. His detention has drawn international scrutiny and raised questions about the treatment of immigrants in the U.S.