Irish Man Held by US Immigration Authorities Describes Torturous Conditions as He Pleas for Help from Ireland's Government
Seamus Culleton, a 42-year-old Irish man living in the United States, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for five months despite having a valid work permit and no criminal record. The situation has taken a devastating toll on Culleton, who has described the conditions at his detention center in Texas as akin to "torture." The atmosphere is volatile, with staff capable of unleashing violence, according to Culleton.
In an emotional appeal to Ireland's government, Culleton urged Taoiseach Micheál Martin to intervene on his behalf when Trump visits the White House next month for St Patrick's Day celebrations. He begged the Irish leader to raise his case and help secure his release from the detention center. The 42-year-old plastering business owner expressed desperation, stating that he fears for his life due to the unbearable conditions.
Culleton entered the US on a visa waiver program in 2009 but overstayed his initial 90-day limit. He later applied for lawful permanent residence and obtained a statutory exemption, allowing him to work. However, this exemption was rendered useless when he was detained by ICE after buying supplies at a hardware store in September last year.
Culleton's lawyer, Ogor Winnie Okoye, stated that US authorities were threatening to deport her client "any day" despite having no reason for doing so. The situation has sparked outrage among Culleton's loved ones, who have spoken out about the dire conditions at his detention center and the lack of compassion from ICE.
According to figures released by ICE, less than 14% of nearly 400,000 immigrants arrested under Trump's presidency had charges or convictions for violent crimes. This contradicts claims that the administration is targeting "the worst of the worst." Culleton's case highlights concerns about the fairness and human rights implications of ICE's actions.
The situation has also added pressure on Ireland's government as it considers its relationship with the White House. Dublin's efforts to avoid provoking Trump are being tested by this extraordinary plea from an Irish citizen in distress.
Seamus Culleton, a 42-year-old Irish man living in the United States, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for five months despite having a valid work permit and no criminal record. The situation has taken a devastating toll on Culleton, who has described the conditions at his detention center in Texas as akin to "torture." The atmosphere is volatile, with staff capable of unleashing violence, according to Culleton.
In an emotional appeal to Ireland's government, Culleton urged Taoiseach Micheál Martin to intervene on his behalf when Trump visits the White House next month for St Patrick's Day celebrations. He begged the Irish leader to raise his case and help secure his release from the detention center. The 42-year-old plastering business owner expressed desperation, stating that he fears for his life due to the unbearable conditions.
Culleton entered the US on a visa waiver program in 2009 but overstayed his initial 90-day limit. He later applied for lawful permanent residence and obtained a statutory exemption, allowing him to work. However, this exemption was rendered useless when he was detained by ICE after buying supplies at a hardware store in September last year.
Culleton's lawyer, Ogor Winnie Okoye, stated that US authorities were threatening to deport her client "any day" despite having no reason for doing so. The situation has sparked outrage among Culleton's loved ones, who have spoken out about the dire conditions at his detention center and the lack of compassion from ICE.
According to figures released by ICE, less than 14% of nearly 400,000 immigrants arrested under Trump's presidency had charges or convictions for violent crimes. This contradicts claims that the administration is targeting "the worst of the worst." Culleton's case highlights concerns about the fairness and human rights implications of ICE's actions.
The situation has also added pressure on Ireland's government as it considers its relationship with the White House. Dublin's efforts to avoid provoking Trump are being tested by this extraordinary plea from an Irish citizen in distress.
seamus culleton's story is literally breaking my heart he's been detained for 5 months with a valid work permit and no criminal record 
it's like they're trying to break his spirit. the conditions at the detention center sound super harsh, especially with staff capable of unleashing violence that's just crazy 
Its like dey forgettin he's a human bein too! I mean, what's goin on here? De conditions in dat detention center sound straight outta horror movie - torture, volitle staff... 
Culleton's pleas to Ireland's gov are kinda relatable tho, who wouldn't want their loved one's safety secured 4 sure? 
The US gov is doin a major fail on dis guy's case, hope Micheál Martin gets back 2 him ASAP! 
This is so messed up! Seamus Culleton has been living in the US for years, paying taxes and working hard, but now he's being held captive because of a mistake that wasn't even that serious. The conditions at his detention center sound like a nightmare - violent staff, lack of compassion... it's not right! 
I'm all for immigration reform, but this kind of thing is just ridiculous. The fact that Trump is coming to visit and Culleton is hoping Ireland will intervene because of it... that's just sad. We need more transparency and fairness in our system, not less. 
another poor guy gettin held down by US immigration system, 5 months already & no one doin anythin about it 
. Can't believe his work permit is worthless now, just 'cause of some little mistake 
. US gov gotta step up & do somethin about this, it's all about the politics & Trump 
. This dude's life is literally on hold, 42 years old & still gettin tormented by ICE 
. And poor Seamus, he's literally begging Ireland's government to intervene for him... I mean, can you blame him? 
and I hope Ireland's government steps in ASAP 
ICE is like a crazy traffic jam, but instead of cars, they're holding people's lives hostage 
. Five months without bail? That's insane! 
. The US immigration system needs a total overhaul 
. And what's with the emotional appeal to Ireland's government? Can't they just send in some lawyers or something? 
We need more transparency and fairness in these detention centers. It's time for some real change 
.
US immigration system needs a serious overhaul, all this talk about targeting the worst of the worst just doesn't add up... 
what's next? getting raided for using the wrong brand of toothpaste? 
this is torture, plain and simple.
. We gotta stand with him and make some noise 
. This case is a total red flag 
for human rights and fairness. Trump needs to know we're watching 
