Earlier this week, the Left made a stink about the detention of Irish illegal immigrant Seamus Culleton, who was taken into custody on September 9.
Culleton's detention was held up as more proof that the Trump administration was denying illegal immigrants due process.
This is appalling and I hope cuts through to the 'heritage American' types who otherwise could care less about due process for immigrants:
— Nick Gillespie (@nickgillespie) February 9, 2026
'Culleton said he was carrying a Massachusetts driving licence and a valid work permit issued by the US government when he was pulled over…
The reality was far different. Culleton entered the U.S. in 2009 on a 90-day visa waiver program and failed to leave the U.S. after that time period expired.
He was issued a deportation order by an immigration judge on September 10, 2025.
Seamus Culleton received full due process and was issued a final deportation order from a federal judge.
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) February 10, 2026
On September 9, 2025, ICE arrested Seamus Culleton, an illegal alien from Ireland. He entered the United States in 2009 under the visa waiver program, which allows you to… https://t.co/EebjCaRBDK
"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," McLaughlin wrote on X. "Being in detention is a choice. We encourage all illegal aliens to use the CBP Home app to take control of their departure. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return."
It turns out there's a reason why Culleton didn't want to return to Ireland: he's reportedly wanted for crimes.
He’s knowingly violated our immigration laws for 16 years. He has a final deportation order against him (due process). He is free to leave ICE custody if he goes home. He may not want to go home because he’s reportedly wanted for crimes in Ireland. https://t.co/gTMpiQtee2
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) February 13, 2026
In fact, the Irish Times is reporting Culleton was facing drug charges when he moved to the United States.
The Irish guy who is in detention came to the US illegally because he was facing drug charges in Ireland, with warrants out for his arrest. No wonder he's rather sit in detention rather than just return home. https://t.co/8md1T5M9WL
— Aaron M. Renn 🇺🇸 (@aaron_renn) February 12, 2026
Irishman Seamus Culleton, who is being held in a detention camp in Texas pending deportation, had a warrant issued for his arrest by an Irish court soon after he entered the US as a tourist in 2009.
The District Court in New Ross, Co Wexford, issued the warrant in April 2009 in respect of Culleton, of Kilbride, Glenmore, Co Kilkenny, over the alleged possession of drugs, and possession of drugs for sale or supply, at Ballyverneen, Glenmore, in May 2008.
He was also facing charges of allegedly obstructing a garda during a search by throwing 25 ecstasy tablets on the ground.
A further warrant was issued by the same court in September 2009, in relation to an alleged criminal damage charge from September 2007 at Weatherstown, Glenmore.