Irishman in ICE Detention Argues with Daughters Over Deportation

An Irishman named Seamus Culleton is being held by US immigration officials. His daughters say he should go back to Ireland to face old charges, but he says he has a right to stay in the US. This case shows how immigration, family, and past legal issues can be complicated.
By Newsroom | Immigration, Family Law |

An Irishman detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is at the center of a public dispute with his daughters, who advocate for his return to Ireland to face drug charges. The man, Seamus Culleton, has been in ICE detention for nearly five months. While he seeks release and claims a right to remain in the U.S. based on a work permit and pending green card, his estranged daughters argue he abandoned them and should face legal consequences in his home country. This situation highlights the complexities of immigration status, family relationships, and unresolved legal matters.

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Background of Seamus Culleton's Detention

Seamus Culleton entered the United States on a 90-day tourist visa more than 15 years ago and has remained in the country undocumented since then. He is currently held in a Texas immigration detention facility. Mr. Culleton asserts that he has a valid work permit and was in the process of obtaining a green card, suggesting he has a legal basis for his residency. He has described his detention facility as resembling a "concentration camp" and claims he has been unfairly detained as he has no criminal record in the U.S. He also stated he has lived in the U.S. for almost 18 years and speaks with his wife daily.

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"He failed to depart the US."— Article 2

Daughters' Accusations and Demands

Heather and Melissa Morrissey, Mr. Culleton's twin daughters, have publicly stated that their father abandoned them when they were young toddlers. They have expressed distress over his situation but firmly believe he should be sent back to Ireland to confront outstanding drug charges. Heather Morrissey stated that her father has not tried to contact them, even on social media. They feel his public appeal for help is disingenuous, given his past actions.

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"His dogs aren’t his children."— Heather Morrissey, Article 1

"He never tried adding us or anything like that on Facebook."— Heather Morrissey, Article 2

Mr. Culleton's legal standing in the U.S. is disputed. While ICE detention suggests a violation of immigration laws, Mr. Culleton and his lawyer claim he was in the final stages of receiving his Green Card and possessed a valid work permit. This contradicts the assertion by his daughters that he was an "Irish illegal." Some reports indicate that individuals who entered the U.S. on visa waiver programs and overstayed may face more difficulties than those who entered through other means.

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  • Seamus Culleton's Claim: Possesses a valid work permit and was awaiting green card approval.

  • ICE's Action: Detained for overstaying a visa.

  • Daughters' View: He is an "Irish illegal" who should face charges in Ireland.

Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement

The case of Seamus Culleton occurs within a broader context of intensified immigration enforcement. Reports suggest that many Irish individuals in the U.S. who overstayed their visas are increasingly fearful of detention. Legal advice emphasizes frank discussions with clients about their situations, acknowledging that perceptions of U.S. immigration law and enforcement may have shifted.

"People are terrified."— Paul O’Dwyer, Article 5

Expert and Public Reactions

Legal representatives and individuals with experience in U.S. immigration cases have commented on the situation. Some Irish individuals who supported Donald Trump reportedly believed he would not target the Irish community. However, the reality appears to be different for those who have overstayed their visas. The daughters' public statements suggest a deep-seated grievance related to their father's alleged abandonment and his current legal predicament.

Findings and Implications

The case of Seamus Culleton presents a multifaceted situation involving immigration violations, family estrangement, and criminal charges.

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  • Detention: Mr. Culleton remains in ICE detention, facing potential deportation.

  • Family Dispute: His daughters actively campaign for his return to Ireland to face drug charges, citing his past as an absentee parent.

  • Legal Status: Contradictory information exists regarding his work permits and the progress of his green card application versus his undocumented status.

  • Public Appeals: Mr. Culleton has publicly appealed for intervention, while his daughters have spoken out to counter his narrative.

The resolution of Mr. Culleton's case will likely depend on the outcomes of his immigration proceedings and any actions taken by Irish authorities regarding the drug charges. The involvement of his daughters introduces a significant familial and public dimension to the legal proceedings.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Seamus Culleton in ICE detention?
He is being held because he stayed in the US longer than his visa allowed. He has been in the US for over 15 years without legal status.
Q: What do his daughters want?
His daughters want him to be sent back to Ireland. They say he abandoned them when they were young and should face drug charges there.
Q: Does Mr. Culleton have a right to stay in the US?
Mr. Culleton says he has a work permit and was trying to get a green card. However, ICE detention suggests he has broken immigration rules.
Q: What are the daughters' main complaints?
They feel their father abandoned them and is not being honest about his situation. They are upset he has not contacted them.
Q: Is this case common?
Many Irish people who have stayed in the US longer than their visas allow are worried about being detained. This case shows how complex immigration laws can be.