Court Pauses Deportation of Irishman Living in Boston for Decades

Seamus Culleton won a temporary order to stay his deportation while his petition for review is pending, but remains in federal detention.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An Irishman named Seamus Culleton who has lived in the Boston area for nearly two decades won a court order to temporarily halt his deportation, though he was not granted release from federal detention. Culleton overstayed his visa in 2009 but has since married a U.S. citizen and is in the process of seeking a green card.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal battles faced by undocumented immigrants who have established lives in the U.S., even those who are married to U.S. citizens. It also raises questions about the conditions of federal detention facilities and the treatment of detainees.

The details

In a court order dated Sunday, Culleton won a temporary order to stay his order of removal while his petition for review of the case is pending. However, the court declined to provide him relief from detention, stating that 'he has failed to explain why such a request properly might be entertained by the court at this juncture.' Culleton's attorney and wife have said he has no criminal record in the U.S., but the Irish Times reported that Culleton was the subject of a warrant issued in Ireland in 2009 over alleged drug charges.

  • Culleton overstayed his visa in 2009.
  • The court order to temporarily halt Culleton's deportation was dated Sunday.

The players

Seamus Culleton

An Irishman who has lived in the Boston area for nearly two decades and is facing deportation after overstaying his visa in 2009, but has since married a U.S. citizen and is in the process of seeking a green card.

Ogor Winnie Okoye

Culleton's attorney who previously told WCVB that Culleton was in the process of seeking a green card.

Tiffany Smith

Culleton's wife who spoke with reporters last month and said Culleton has no criminal record in the U.S.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Tiffany Smith, Culleton's wife (WCVB)

“There was no fresh air or sunshine and little food at the facility.”

— Seamus Culleton (The Irish Times)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow Culleton to be released from federal detention while his petition for review is pending.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants who have established lives in the U.S., even those who are married to U.S. citizens, and the need for comprehensive immigration reform to address these complex situations.