Feb 10 • 12:20 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Irish man held in ICE detention says he fears for his life and asks Ireland for help

An Irish man detained by ICE in Texas for five months, despite holding a valid work permit, has expressed fear for his life and has requested assistance from the Irish government.

Seamus Culleton, an Irish man who has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for five months, is raising alarms about the conditions in his detention center in Texas. Culleton, who holds a valid work permit and has no criminal record, describes the situation as 'psychological and physical torture,' expressing concern primarily for his safety from the detention staff rather than from other inmates. His appeal draws attention to the treatment of immigrants held in US detention facilities, underscoring broader debates about immigration policy and human rights.

During an interview with Ireland's RTÉ radio, Culleton urged the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, to advocate for his release during Martin's upcoming visit to the White House for St Patrick's Day. Culleton's situation highlights the painful predicaments of many individuals caught in the immigration system, where legal status does not necessarily guarantee safety or humane treatment. His plea for urgent help illustrates the desperation felt by those in similar situations, further complicating the narrative of immigration enforcement in the United States.

Culleton's case shines a spotlight on ongoing concerns regarding ICE practices and the treatment of detainees in various facilities. As he awaits potential intervention from the Irish government, his story may resonate not only with other Irish citizens abroad but also with a wider audience advocating for immigration reform and humane treatment of detainees. The implications of his detainment and the government's response could have lasting effects on immigration discourse, both domestically in the U.S. and internationally, as various nations respond to their nationals detained abroad.

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