Sen. Ed Markey's office posted this at 4 o'clock on Thursday, well after it was revealed by Irish media that Irish illegal alien Seamus Culleton had warrants for his arrest over drug charges in 2009, so technically, he's a fugitive from the law as well as an illegal immigrant. Attention was brought to Culleton's case when CBS News picked up a radio interview he'd done on Monday, telling an Irish interviewer that ICE detention was like a modern-day concentration camp, and that he feared for his life, as staff at the ICE detention facility had killed people.
Assistant DHS Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told CBS News that Culleton "was offered the chance to instantly be removed to Ireland but chose to stay in ICE custody."
I am calling on ICE to immediately release Seamus Culleton. It is appalling that Seamus has remained in detention for 5 months in dire conditions, away from his family. As a spouse of a U.S. citizen with strong Massachusetts ties, there is no justification for keeping him…
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) February 12, 2026
"… detained. Release him now."
How about no. "Strong Massachusetts ties" do not count as legal documentation.
Guess your social media team hasn't read the news in the last 24 hours.
— Toecutta (@Toecutta1) February 12, 2026
The real question is how he got business/drivers licenses in Mass over almost the past two decades.
He should be released in Ireland, where there's a warrant for his arrest.
— Pablo (@Pablo_1791) February 12, 2026
As long as he goes back to Ireland to face his pending criminal cases from which he has been hiding.
— Not Éamon deValera (@feckingm) February 12, 2026
He’s a criminal and can always go back to Ireland like he should’ve done 16 years ago 🤡
— NautiGirl 🇺🇸🏴☠️🍊 ollllllo (@ladiebldr) February 12, 2026
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The reason is, his 90 day visa expired 16 years ago and he is fighting immediate deportation. But you already knew that. You choose to omit it.
— Duane Fontaine (@FontaineDuane) February 12, 2026
No one is above the law. He’s free to go home. Incomprehensible to me that you think compliance with our immigration laws is optional. A lowlife scumbag masquerading as a statesman.
— Menkui (@Cmplxe) February 12, 2026
Seamus is in detention by HIS choice. He's there solely because he is fighting deportation. A ridiculous effort given the facts in his case, but until he relents, he'll sit in detention. The minute he desists, away he goes.
— Words Matter (@WordsMa30048486) February 12, 2026
He can go home to face an arrest warrant in Ireland any time he wants to. He's in detention by his choice.
— Can of Spam (@iDoLikeSpam) February 12, 2026
The justification is his final removal order and his refusal to leave. Hope this helps.
— Rando Piloto (@pilotoincognito) February 12, 2026
He your dealer?
— Chris (@KickThatMule_TX) February 12, 2026
So he fled Ireland because he was facing drug dealing and criminal damage charges, comes here and lives illegally for 16 years, and you are opposed to deporting him?
— Russian Bot (@ImARussianBot2) February 12, 2026
Yes, there is a justification for keeping him detained. He's an illegal alien fugitive who was offered a flight back home and turned it down. There's nothing in immigration law about "strong Massachusetts ties."
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