An Irish man, Seamus Culleton, has been held for nearly five months in a Texas ICE detention facility. Describing his experience, he referred to it as a “modern-day concentration camp.” This grim statement highlights the extreme conditions in which he and many others are living.
Culleton, from County Kilkenny, has lived in the U.S. for almost 20 years. He’s married to an American citizen and holds a valid work permit. Yet, he was detained in September 2025 after being stopped while driving home from work. The lack of a criminal record and being in the process of obtaining a green card did not protect him.
In a recent interview with Kieran Cuddihy on RTÉ, Culleton detailed his bleak situation in El Paso. He has spent months in confinement, stuck in a small space with little access to fresh air or sunlight. “I could probably count on both hands the amount of times I’ve been outside,” he shared.
Meals are scarce and small, often described as “kid-sized.” Culleton expressed that hunger is a common feeling among detainees. With limited options for additional food, competition arises for the meager portions provided.
The environment has also raised safety concerns. Culleton mentioned fears for his life, stating, “people are being killed by the staff.” The uncertainty of daily life adds to the overwhelming stress of living in such dire conditions.
His wife, Tiffany, has expressed deep concern and feels helpless. After his detention, she was in the dark for days, fearing the worst. “He’s a good man. No one deserves this,” she distressingly noted.
Culleton has rejected pressure from ICE officers to sign deportation papers, calling the experience “torture.” He maintains his innocence and is vocal about the need for change in the treatment of detainees.
This case has captured significant attention, even reaching diplomatic levels. Culleton has appealed to the Irish Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, to discuss his situation directly with President Joe Biden during a planned meeting. In light of this, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is reportedly engaging with U.S. authorities.
A growing movement is evident on social media, with many users expressing outrage and compassion for Culleton’s situation. Activists advocate for reforms to ensure humane treatment for all detained individuals.
According to recent surveys, approximately 70% of Americans believe immigration detention facilities need reform, emphasizing the public’s desire for humane immigration policies.
The story of Seamus Culleton is not just an individual ordeal but part of a broader conversation about immigration policies in the United States. It’s crucial to recognize the human stories behind statistics and policies that often seem distant.
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