Irish Man Detained by ICE Pleads for Release

Seamus Culleton's wife says he is a 'good man' who doesn't deserve this treatment

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Seamus Culleton, an Irish man living in the U.S., has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since September 2025 while in the process of applying for his green card. His wife Tiffany Smith is pleading for his release, saying he is a 'good man' who has lost a significant amount of weight and looks unwell in the detention facility in El Paso, Texas, which is nearly 4,000 km from his home in Boston.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges faced by immigrants, even those with pending green card applications, who can be detained by ICE and separated from their families. It raises questions about the treatment of detainees and the policies around deportation of individuals who may have valid claims to remain in the U.S.

The details

Culleton entered the U.S. in 2009 under the visa waiver program, which allows people to stay for 90 days without a visa. He is married to a U.S. citizen and owns a plastering business in Boston. While previously undocumented, Culleton was in the final stages of receiving his green card and had a valid work permit when he was arrested by ICE on September 9, 2025. He has since been held in various ICE detention facilities, most recently in El Paso. Culleton's lawyer has called for his immediate release so he can complete the green card process.

  • Culleton entered the U.S. in 2009 under the visa waiver program.
  • Culleton was arrested by ICE on September 9, 2025.
  • Culleton has been detained in ICE facilities since September 2025.

The players

Seamus Culleton

An Irish man living in the U.S. who was detained by ICE in September 2025 while in the process of applying for his green card.

Tiffany Smith

Culleton's wife, who is pleading for his release and says he is a 'good man' who doesn't deserve this treatment.

Ogor Winnie Okoye

Culleton's lawyer, who has called for his immediate release so he can complete the green card process.

Tricia McLaughlin

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary, who defended ICE's actions and said Culleton was an 'illegal alien' who chose to remain in detention.

Micheál Martin

The Taoiseach of Ireland, who said the government will do everything it can to help Culleton and that his situation must be handled carefully.

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What they’re saying

“I want him safe. Seamus is a good man, he doesn't deserve what is going on. It's heartbreaking, it's absolutely heartbreaking.”

— Tiffany Smith, Culleton's wife (BBC)

“You don't know what's going to happen on a day-to-day basis. You don't know if there's going to be riots, you don't know what's going to happen. It's a nightmare down here.”

— Seamus Culleton (RTÉ)

“The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary (BBC)

What’s next

The judge in Culleton's case will decide on whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often harsh realities faced by immigrants, even those with pending legal status, who can be detained and separated from their families by ICE. It raises important questions about immigration policies, detainee treatment, and the ability of immigrants to navigate the legal system.