Irish Man Detained in Texas ICE Facility Despite Valid Work Permit & Green Card Case

Irish Man Detained in Texas ICE Facility Despite Valid Work Permit & Green Card Case

February 12, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom World

Irishman’s Detention Sparks Debate on ICE Practices and Pending Green Card Cases

The five-month detention of Seamus Culleton, an Irish man with a valid U.S. Work permit and a pending green card application, has ignited a debate over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices and the treatment of individuals navigating the complex U.S. Immigration system. Culleton’s case, currently unfolding in an ICE detention facility in El Paso, Texas, highlights a growing concern about the detention of individuals who are legally working in the U.S. And have family ties to American citizens.

A Decade in the U.S., a Pending Application, and Sudden Arrest

Culleton has resided in the U.S. For nearly two decades, building a life and a business as a plasterer in Boston. He is married to a U.S. Citizen and had been awaiting a decision on his green card application. Despite possessing a valid work permit, he was apprehended by ICE agents in September 2025 after a routine license check. His wife, Tiffany Smith, reports a noticeable decline in his health and spirits since his detention, describing him as visibly unwell and withdrawn during video calls.

The 90-Day Visa Waiver and the Order of Removal

According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Culleton initially entered the U.S. In 2009 under the tourist visa waiver programme, remaining beyond the permitted 90-day stay. DHS asserts that he received due process and was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in September 2025. They claim he was offered immediate removal to Ireland but “chose to stay in ICE custody.”

Contradictory Accounts and Concerns Over Detention Conditions

Culleton disputes this account, stating he was actively pursuing legal permanent residency and believed his work permit provided him with legal standing to remain in the country. He describes the conditions at the El Paso Camp East Montana facility as “filthy” and “a nightmare,” reporting limited access to fresh air, small meals, and infrequent cleaning of restrooms. These claims are countered by DHS, which maintains that the facility meets higher detention standards than most U.S. Prisons.

Allegations of Abuse at ERO El Paso Camp East Montana

The detention center itself is under scrutiny. In December, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other human rights groups released a letter demanding its closure, citing allegations of abuse, including beatings, sexual abuse, medical neglect, and denial of legal counsel. These allegations add another layer of concern to Culleton’s case and raise questions about the overall treatment of detainees at the facility.

The Legal Landscape: Pending Applications and ICE Discretion

U.S. Law allows DHS to arrest individuals with pending immigration applications who lack underlying permanent status, even without a criminal record. However, previous administrations often exercised discretion, allowing individuals with valid pending applications to remain in the country while their cases were processed. The current approach appears to be a shift towards stricter enforcement, even in cases where individuals have strong ties to the U.S. And are actively pursuing legal pathways to residency.

Irish Government Intervention and Broader Implications

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to Culleton and his family and is engaging with DHS at a senior level regarding his case. The situation echoes the experiences of an estimated 10,000 undocumented Irish immigrants living in the U.S., many of whom entered on temporary visas and remained after their expiration.

FAQ

  • What is Seamus Culleton’s current status? He is currently detained at the El Paso Camp East Montana ICE detention facility in Texas.
  • Did Seamus Culleton have legal permission to work in the U.S.? Yes, he had a valid U.S. Work permit.
  • What does DHS say about the conditions at the detention facility? DHS denies allegations of poor conditions, stating the facility meets high detention standards.
  • What is the Irish government doing to help? The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance and engaging with DHS.

Pro Tip: If you are navigating the U.S. Immigration system, It’s crucial to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to understand your rights, and options.

Explore more about immigration law and current events here.