Irish National Detained by ICE Revealed to Have Outstanding Warrants for Drug Charges in Ireland
By Deep Search
Seamus Culleton, the Irish national currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and at the center of a diplomatic push for release, has been identified as a fugitive with outstanding arrest warrants in Ireland dating back to 2009. While supporters and family members have portrayed the 38-year-old as a “model immigrant” with “no criminal record,” new reports from Irish media indicate he fled the country while facing multiple charges, including drug possession and obstruction of justice.
Outstanding Warrants and Drug Charges
According to court records cited by The Journal and other Irish outlets, the District Court in New Ross, Co Wexford, issued a bench warrant for Culleton’s arrest in April 2009. The warrant stems from an incident in May 2008 at Ballyverneen, Glenmore, where Culleton was charged with the unlawful possession of drugs and possession of drugs for sale or supply.
In one specific instance detailed in the reports, Culleton allegedly attempted to dispose of evidence during a police search by throwing 25 ecstasy tablets onto the ground. He was subsequently charged with obstructing a garda (police officer). A second bench warrant was issued in September 2009 regarding a separate criminal damage charge from an incident in September 2007. These warrants remain active, as Culleton failed to appear in court to answer the charges before departing for the United States.
Background on US Entry and Detention
Culleton entered the United States in March 2009 under the Visa Waiver Program, which allows for a stay of up to 90 days. He overstayed his visa for nearly 17 years, during which time he established a plastering business in Boston and married a U.S. citizen in April 2025.
His status as an undocumented immigrant came to the attention of authorities in September 2025, when he was arrested by ICE agents in Massachusetts. He was subsequently transferred to a detention facility in El Paso, Texas. Until these recent revelations, the narrative surrounding his case focused heavily on his integration into American society and his pending green card application.
Objections and Counter-Claims
The revelation of the warrants challenges the defense mounted by Culleton’s legal team and family, who have vehemently argued for his release on humanitarian grounds. His U.S. attorney, Ogor Winnie Okoye, stated during a press conference that the defense was unaware of the Irish charges. “Mr. Culleton will not be aware of any warrants after he came to the United States,” Okoye said, emphasizing that “a warrant is not a conviction.”
Family members have described his detention conditions as “absolute hell” and likened the facility to a “concentration camp,” a characterization US officials have rejected as “false,” noting that the facility meets high detention standards. Supporters continue to argue that his detention is unjust given his marriage and long-standing residence, claiming he is being treated unfairly compared to other undocumented immigrants. However, U.S. officials maintain that Culleton received full due process and was issued a final order of removal in September 2025, which he has chosen to contest while remaining in custody.
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