1. United States
2. Mont.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand immediate action to address the unlawful detention practices and inhumane conditions in ICE facilities, exemplified by the case of Seamus Culleton, a Massachusetts resident who has been wrongfully detained for five months despite having a valid work permit and no criminal record. Culleton, who runs a plastering business in the Boston area and is married to US citizen Tiffany Smyth, was arrested on September 9, 2025, during a random immigration sweep while buying supplies at a hardware store. At the time, he carried a Massachusetts driver's license and a valid work permit issued as part of his green card application, which he initiated in April 2025. He had a final green card interview scheduled for October but was unable to attend due to his detention. Despite a judge approving his release on a $4,000 bond in November, which his wife paid, ICE continued to detain him. Two ICE agents claimed Culleton signed deportation documents in Buffalo, but he denies this and states the signatures are not his. He requested handwriting analysis, but the judge sided with ICE despite noting irregularities in the agency's court documents. Under current law, Culleton cannot appeal this decision. During his detention, Culleton has been transferred between facilities in Boston, Buffalo, and El Paso, Texas, where he now shares a cell with over 70 men in conditions he describes as cold, damp, and squalid. He has been requesting antibiotics for four weeks for sores and infections caused by poor hygiene. His wife reports he has lost significant weight and hair during his detention. This case represents a broader crisis. Irish citizens seeking consular assistance regarding US deportation jumped from 15 in 2024 to 65 in 2025, indicating systemic problems with immigration enforcement. I urge you to support legislation requiring ICE to respect judicial bond decisions, establish independent oversight of detention facilities to ensure humane conditions, and mandate video recording of all ICE interviews where deportation documents are signed. Legal immigrants following proper procedures deserve protection from arbitrary detention and inhumane treatment.