Culleton has captured the attention of the Irish media since the Irish Times reported on Monday about his situation and the allegedly terrible conditions at Camp East Montana, the ICE facility at Fort Bliss near El Paso.
On the same day, Culleton appeared live on Ireland’s RTÉ radio, describing the overcrowding, filth, disease, hunger, and violence in the facility. He expressed fear of worsening his situation by speaking out.
“I definitely am afraid of rotting away here. It feels like I’m just stuck and there’s no way out,” Culleton told RTÉ. The broadcast included live interviews with his American wife in Boston and his sister in Waterford, Ireland.
Culleton acknowledged overstaying his U.S. visa two decades ago but mentioned his ongoing application for a green card, supported by his valid work permit, employment as a plasterer, and his April 2025 marriage. He is among at least 10,000 undocumented Irish citizens living in the United States, often for decades.
Opposition leaders raised Culleton’s case in Dáil Éireann, accusing Martin of allowing human rights abuses of Irish citizens to maintain favorable economic relations with Trump.
“You must commit now on the floor of the Dáil to pulling out every stop, using every diplomatic lever, to secure Seamus’ release. No delays, no waiting for St. Patrick’s Day,” urged Ivana Bacik, leader of the opposition Labour Party.
Leave a Reply