El Paso, Texas, February 11, 2026
Seamus Culleton, an Irish citizen residing in the U.S. for over 20 years, has been held for five months in an ICE facility in Texas despite having a valid work permit and pending green card application. He describes deplorable conditions, likening the facility to a ‘concentration camp.’ His case has drawn attention from Irish officials and raised concerns about immigrant treatment in U.S. detention centers.
El Paso, Texas: Irish Citizen Detained for Five Months in ICE Facility
Seamus Culleton, an Irish national residing in the United States for over 20 years, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for five months at the El Paso Camp East Montana facility in Texas. Despite holding a valid work permit and being in the process of obtaining a green card, Culleton has faced prolonged detention without charges and has described the conditions as “like a concentration camp, absolute hell.”
Background of Detention
Culleton, originally from County Kilkenny, Ireland, entered the U.S. in 2009 under the visa waiver program, which permitted a 90-day stay. After overstaying, he married U.S. citizen Tiffany Smyth and applied for lawful permanent residency. He obtained a statutory exemption allowing him to work legally in the U.S. However, on September 9, 2025, while returning from his job as a plasterer in Massachusetts, Culleton was arrested by ICE officers. Despite his legal status and pending green card application, he was transferred to the El Paso facility, where he has been held since then.
Conditions at El Paso Camp East Montana
During his detention, Culleton has reported severe conditions at the facility. He described the environment as cold, damp, and squalid, with inadequate food and an atmosphere of anxiety and depression. He expressed fear for his life, indicating a lack of safety and perceived threats from the facility’s staff.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
In November 2025, a judge approved Culleton’s release on a $4,000 bond, which was paid by his wife. However, the government later denied the bond without explanation. Culleton’s attorney has accused federal officials of acting ineptly and capriciously, citing irregularities in the court documents submitted by ICE. Despite these legal challenges, Culleton remains detained, with his last scheduled court date in early January 2026 being rescheduled at the last minute.
International Attention and Calls for Intervention
The case has garnered international attention, with concerns raised about the treatment of immigrants in U.S. detention facilities, especially those legally in the process of obtaining permanent residency. Culleton has appealed to the Irish government for intervention in his case. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided consular assistance and is actively engaging with U.S. authorities to seek a resolution.
Conclusion
The prolonged detention of Seamus Culleton, despite his legal status and pending green card application, highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants in U.S. detention facilities. This case serves as a significant reminder of the complexities of the U.S. immigration system and the importance of due process and humane treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Seamus Culleton?
Seamus Culleton is an Irish national who has lived in the United States for over 20 years. He is married to a U.S. citizen and owns a plastering business in the Boston area. Despite holding a valid work permit and being in the process of obtaining a green card, he has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for five months at the El Paso Camp East Montana facility in Texas.
What are the conditions at the El Paso Camp East Montana facility?
During his detention, Culleton has reported severe conditions at the facility. He described the environment as cold, damp, and squalid, with inadequate food and an atmosphere of anxiety and depression. He expressed fear for his life, stating, “I’m not in fear of the other inmates. I’m afraid of the staff. They’re capable of anything.”
What legal actions have been taken in Culleton’s case?
In November 2025, a judge approved Culleton’s release on a $4,000 bond, which was paid by his wife. However, the government later denied the bond without explanation. Culleton’s attorney has accused federal officials of acting ineptly and capriciously, citing irregularities in the court documents submitted by ICE. Despite these legal challenges, Culleton remains detained, with his last scheduled court date in early January 2026 being rescheduled at the last minute.
Has the Irish government intervened in Culleton’s case?
The case has garnered international attention, with concerns raised about the treatment of immigrants in U.S. detention facilities, especially those legally in the process of obtaining permanent residency. Culleton has appealed to Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to raise his case with President Donald Trump during his scheduled visit to the White House in March. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided consular assistance through the Irish consulate in Austin, Texas, and is engaging with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at a senior level.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Detention Duration | Five months at El Paso Camp East Montana facility in Texas |
| Legal Status | Valid work permit; in process of obtaining green card |
| Conditions Described | Cold, damp, squalid; inadequate food; atmosphere of anxiety and depression |
| Legal Proceedings | Bond approved but later denied; attorney cites irregularities in court documents |
| International Attention | Appeal to Irish Prime Minister to raise case with U.S. President; consular assistance provided |
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