Irish Illegal Immigrant Accused of Violating Restraining Orders, Threatening Ex-Wife

Seamus Culleton faces deportation after history of domestic violence and harassment allegations

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Irish illegal immigrant Seamus Culleton, who is facing deportation to Ireland to face drug charges, has a history of domestic violence and restraining order violations against his American ex-wife, according to Boston police reports. Culleton allegedly physically abused his ex-wife, violated protective orders, made threatening phone calls, and used racial slurs against her.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding immigration, domestic violence, and the criminal justice system. It raises questions about how the U.S. handles cases of illegal immigrants accused of crimes, as well as the challenges victims of domestic abuse can face in seeking protection.

The details

Police reports show Culleton violated multiple protective orders filed against him by his ex-wife between 2019 and 2021. He allegedly physically abused her, made threatening phone calls, used racial slurs, and stalked her coworker. Culleton was never arrested for the restraining order violations, and a 2021 case was dismissed when neither he nor his ex-wife appeared in court.

  • In November 2019, Culleton's ex-wife filed a protective order against him after alleged physical abuse.
  • On November 15, 2019, police were called to Culleton's ex-wife's parents' house for reports he was calling and threatening her.
  • On New Year's Day 2020, police were called again for another alleged restraining order violation by Culleton.
  • In July 2021, a hearing was held over the 2020 incident, but the case was dismissed when neither Culleton nor his ex-wife appeared.

The players

Seamus Culleton

An Irish illegal immigrant who has been detained by ICE and is facing deportation to Ireland to face drug charges. He has a history of domestic violence and restraining order violations against his American ex-wife.

Culleton's ex-wife

The victim of Culleton's alleged domestic abuse and restraining order violations. She filed multiple protective orders against him between 2019 and 2021.

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What they’re saying

“About 12:17 pm on Friday November 15 , 2019, Officer Burke in the C411D unit responded to a radio call for a Violation of a Restraining Order Report. The Officer was advised … that the caller has a restraining order against her husband, he is calling and threatening her.”

— Officer Burke, Boston Police Officer (Boston Police Report)

“[The victim] stated to the officer that Culletin stated that he 'wished death on her' and that 'he was going to get her fired and [REDACTED] fired.'”

— Culleton's ex-wife (Boston Police Report)

What’s next

A U.S. Circuit Court Judge has issued a temporary 10-business day order delaying Culleton's deportation to Ireland, which is set to expire on Friday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges victims of domestic abuse can face in seeking protection, as well as the complex issues surrounding immigration and the criminal justice system's handling of cases involving illegal immigrants accused of crimes.