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Irish Immigrant Detained in El Paso Describes Dire Conditions and Fears for Life

KVIA•Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:01 PM•CNN Newsource

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Seamus Culleton, an Irish national detained by ICE in El Paso, Texas, for five months, has expressed severe concerns for his safety and described the facility's conditions as appalling. Culleton, who has lived in the U.S. for over 15 years and is married to a U.S. citizen, was apprehended despite having a pending green card application. He reported overcrowding, limited food, and inadequate medical care, stating he has spent most of his time in a cramped room without access to fresh air. His case has attracted attention from the Irish government, which is providing consular assistance, highlighting a troubling trend of increased detentions among Irish citizens. Culleton's situation underscores broader issues within the U.S. immigration system, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees.

Key Details: • Culleton has been detained since September 9, 2023, and fears for his safety. • He is currently held in a facility with over 70 men, facing poor living conditions. • His wife, Tiffany Smyth, has struggled to navigate the immigration system and has not yet visited him. • The Irish government is providing consular assistance and is aware of increasing detentions of Irish citizens. • ICE currently holds around 70,000 detainees, with a significant percentage lacking criminal convictions.

immigration ice human-rights detention ireland

People & Organizations

Department of Homeland SecurityICEEl Paso, TexasBostonHelen McEnteeSeamus CulletonTiffany SmythMicheál MartinKilkennyIrish Embassy

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