20-Year Illegal Alien Detained – and He’s Irish
10th February 2026
You’ve probably read Narrative Media stories {like this one: Irish man with valid US work permit held in ICE detention for five months (Rory Carroll/The Guardian)] about the Irish guy whose been in the U.S. 20 years ‘as a lawful resident’ and has been in ICE custody for five months. Here’s the truth.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed Tuesday that ICE agents arrested Culleton in early September.
“He entered the United States in 2009 under the visa waiver program, which allows you to stay in the U.S. for 90 days without a visa,” McLaughlin told Newsweek in a statement. “He failed to depart the U.S.. He received full due process and was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge on September 10, 2025. He was offered the chance to instantly be removed to Ireland but chose to stay in ICE custody, in fact he took affirmative steps to remain in detention.”