The plight of Seamus Culleton has captured the attention of Ireland, especially following a report from the Irish Times highlighting the dire conditions he is facing at Camp East Montana, an ICE facility located within Fort Bliss army base near El Paso. Culleton, who made a poignant appearance on Ireland’s RTÉ radio, shed light on the horror of overcrowding, poor hygiene, disease, hunger, and violence. In a heartfelt hour-long broadcast, he conveyed his personal fears of potentially worsening his situation by speaking out, stating, “I definitely am afraid of rotting away here. It feels like I’m just stuck and there’s no way out.”
Culleton, who has lived in the U.S. for over two decades after overstaying his visa, has been actively pursuing legal residency. His application for a green card is supported by a valid work permit and a forthcoming marriage in April 2025. He is part of a community of at least 10,000 undocumented Irish citizens who have resided in the United States, often for many years.
The urgency of Culleton’s situation prompted opposition leaders in Ireland to raise the matter during a session in Dáil Éireann, the nation’s parliament. They expressed frustration with Prime Minister Micheál Martin’s handling of human rights issues concerning Irish citizens abroad. Ivana Bacik, the leader of the opposition Labour Party, emphasized the need for immediate action to secure Culleton’s release, urging the government to utilize every diplomatic avenue available without delay.
Culleton’s situation serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by many undocumented immigrants, particularly those striving for a better life yet caught in legal limbo. As the pressure mounts for the Irish government to intervene, there remains hope that Culleton and others in similar predicaments will receive the support they need to navigate their complex circumstances.