Irishman Detained by ICE Sparks Outcry and Support
The case of Seamus Culleton, an Irish man detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has ignited a wave of support from Ireland and raised concerns about conditions within ICE detention facilities. Culleton, a Co Kilkenny native, has been held in an ICE facility in El Paso, Texas, for the past five months.
Culleton’s Detention and Conditions
Seamus Culleton, who has lived in the U.S. For over 20 years and owns a plastering business in Boston, Massachusetts, was arrested on September 9, 2025, despite possessing a valid work permit and being married to an American citizen, Tiffany Smyth. He has been held in ICE detention since. Culleton has described the conditions of his confinement as dire, characterizing the facility as a “modern-day concentration camp” Mediaite.
He detailed being locked in a room with 70 other men, receiving inadequate meals (“kid-sized”), and facing unsanitary hygiene conditions. Culleton likewise expressed fear for his life, alleging that “people have been killed by the security staff.” Irish Times. During an interview with RTÉ Radio 1’s Liveline, his phone line reportedly dropped twice, underscoring the precariousness of his situation.
Public Response and Support
Culleton’s story gained significant attention following an interview on Liveline with host Kieran Cuddihy. The interview is being described as a pivotal moment for Cuddihy as he establishes himself as the show’s latest host, following Joe Duffy Irish Times.
Tiffany Smyth, Culleton’s wife, spoke to Liveline about the overwhelming support the couple has received, particularly from Ireland. She stated that her husband is “extremely proud to be Irish” and deeply moved by the outpouring of solidarity Irish Mirror. Smyth shared that Culleton asked her to convey a message: “All of this makes me extremely proud to be Irish. There is no one like the Irish people. I am so overwhelmed by the support in a good way.” Irish Mirror.
Recent Updates
As of February 20, 2026, Seamus Culleton remains in ICE detention in El Paso, Texas. The case continues to draw attention, with ongoing calls for his release and scrutiny of ICE’s detention practices. RTÉ