Irishman Held in ICE Custody Far From Home for Visa Overstay

Seamus Culleton, a Boston construction worker, has been detained in Texas for nearly 5 months despite having a pending green card application.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Seamus Culleton, an Irishman who overstayed his 90-day tourist visa over 15 years ago, has been held in a Texas immigration detention facility for nearly five months rather than be deported. Culleton, who is married to an American woman and runs a construction company in Boston, was suddenly picked up by ICE agents while leaving a Home Depot near his home. He was then cuffed and flown over 2,000 miles to a camp facility at Fort Bliss Army base in Texas, where he alleges he's been locked in the same 'filthy' room in poor conditions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants who overstay their visas, even those with pending green card applications and valid work permits. It raises questions about the treatment of detainees in immigration facilities and the balance between immigration enforcement and humanitarian concerns.

The details

Culleton claims he was unaware of why he was being held, though he refused to sign papers approving his deportation. Immigration authorities say he entered the U.S. in 2009 under the visa waiver program, which allows 90-day stays without a visa, but failed to depart. An immigration judge issued a final order of removal in September 2025, but Culleton chose to remain in ICE custody rather than be immediately deported to Ireland. Culleton alleges he has been forced to endure poor conditions, including being locked in the same 'filthy' room for months with limited access to fresh air and sunlight.

  • Culleton entered the U.S. in 2009 under the visa waiver program.
  • An immigration judge issued a final order of removal against Culleton on September 10, 2025.
  • Culleton was picked up by ICE agents on September 9, 2025 while leaving a Home Depot near his home in Boston.

The players

Seamus Culleton

An Irishman who overstayed his 90-day tourist visa more than 15 years ago and is currently being held in an ICE detention facility in Texas, despite having a valid U.S. work permit and a pending green card application.

Tiffany Smyth

Culleton's American wife, who received a call from him saying he had been picked up by ICE agents.

Tricia McLaughlin

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, who stated that Culleton was offered the chance to be immediately removed to Ireland but chose to remain in ICE custody.

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What they’re saying

“It's a nightmare down here. It's just a torture, I just don't know how much more I can take.”

— Seamus Culleton (RTE)

“He entered the United States in 2009 under the visa waiver program, which allows you to stay in the US for 90 days without a visa. He failed to depart the US.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson (X)

“His whole life just ended that day, it was put on hold.”

— Caroline Culleton, Seamus Culleton's sister (RTE)

What’s next

Politicians in Ireland have vowed to complain to the White House about Culleton's case, which could lead to increased diplomatic pressure on the U.S. government.

The takeaway

This case highlights the human toll of strict immigration enforcement, even for those with strong ties to the U.S. and pending legal status. It underscores the need for a more compassionate and pragmatic approach to addressing visa overstays, especially for those who have established lives and families in the country.