A 20-year resident of the US, Irishman Seamus Culleton has been held in a Texas detention center for almost five months despite maintaining that he had a valid US work permit and a pending green card case. The US Department of Homeland Security has denied his claims, stating that Culleton's detention is based on ICE standards that far surpass those found in most US prisons.
Culleton, a plasterer, was arrested by federal agents while driving home after stopping at a store in early September. He claimed that despite having a valid work permit and a marriage-based petition for a green card, he was detained solely because of his immigration status. Culleton described the conditions at the El Paso Camp East Montana detention facility as "a nightmare", stating that detainees rarely have access to fresh air or sunshine.
He recounted spending only two hours per day outside of his cell, with limited food options and dirty facilities. The toilets and showers were often unclean, he said, sparking allegations of neglect by ICE officials. Culleton has expressed fears for his life due to the harsh conditions at the facility.
The case highlights the struggles faced by undocumented immigrants in the US who have been living in the country for years. While some may be on tourist waivers or temporary work visas, many likely remain after those documents expire, living in a state of limbo. The Irish government has confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to Culleton and his family.
In December, human rights groups released a letter criticizing ICE facilities, including El Paso Camp East Montana, for alleged abuses such as beatings, coercive threats, medical neglect, and denial of access to counsel. The controversy surrounding Culleton's case has sparked renewed calls for reform in the US immigration system.
Culleton's situation underscores the complexities of US immigration policy, where those with pending applications are often detained despite having a valid work permit or other legal protections. His case will likely continue to receive attention from human rights groups and lawmakers as it highlights the need for greater oversight and protection for vulnerable immigrants.
Culleton, a plasterer, was arrested by federal agents while driving home after stopping at a store in early September. He claimed that despite having a valid work permit and a marriage-based petition for a green card, he was detained solely because of his immigration status. Culleton described the conditions at the El Paso Camp East Montana detention facility as "a nightmare", stating that detainees rarely have access to fresh air or sunshine.
He recounted spending only two hours per day outside of his cell, with limited food options and dirty facilities. The toilets and showers were often unclean, he said, sparking allegations of neglect by ICE officials. Culleton has expressed fears for his life due to the harsh conditions at the facility.
The case highlights the struggles faced by undocumented immigrants in the US who have been living in the country for years. While some may be on tourist waivers or temporary work visas, many likely remain after those documents expire, living in a state of limbo. The Irish government has confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to Culleton and his family.
In December, human rights groups released a letter criticizing ICE facilities, including El Paso Camp East Montana, for alleged abuses such as beatings, coercive threats, medical neglect, and denial of access to counsel. The controversy surrounding Culleton's case has sparked renewed calls for reform in the US immigration system.
Culleton's situation underscores the complexities of US immigration policy, where those with pending applications are often detained despite having a valid work permit or other legal protections. His case will likely continue to receive attention from human rights groups and lawmakers as it highlights the need for greater oversight and protection for vulnerable immigrants.
I feel so bad for Seamus, been in that situation myself when I was traveling abroad and couldn't get my visa renewal on time, it's like living in limbo 
. The conditions in El Paso Camp East Montana are absolutely unacceptable 
, how can they say their standards surpass those of US prisons? It's a nightmare for anyone to be locked up in such poor conditions without even basic human rights. We need to advocate for these people and push for change 
. I mean, five months without knowing what's going to happen to him or when he'll be released is basically torture 
. And the conditions at that detention center? Absolutely unacceptable 
. I don't think it's right that someone who has been living in the US for 20 years and has a valid work permit should have to deal with this kind of treatment 
.
. We need better protections for people like Seamus who are just trying to live their lives in the US without causing any harm 
. And it's not just about him - it's about all the other undocumented immigrants out there who are living in fear of being detained or deported 
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. I mean, who needs fresh air and sunshine? 
It's crazy that someone like Seamus Culleton has been held in detention for five months just because of his immigration status. Five months! That's even longer than some prisoners get 
. And to think he had a valid work permit and a pending green card case... it's just not right 
. I'm glad the Irish government is providing consular assistance, but this whole situation just highlights how broken the system is 
this is just crazy... like, 5 months in detention for not being "technically" in line with all the rules? that's just insane! 
i mean, who needs a work permit or green card when you're already paying taxes and contributing to society? 
it's time for the US government to get its act together and figure out what's fair. 
those conditions at the detention center are straight out of a horror movie... how can anyone be expected to live like that? 
ICE needs to step up their game and start taking care of people like Culleton who are already stuck in this limbo. and yeah, it highlights the flaws in the US immigration system - all these people living here with valid work permits and green card cases just waiting for them to get processed... it's like they're being held hostage 