Allegations made by Irish national Seamus Culleton, currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, have triggered controversy on both sides of the Atlantic. Culleton has claimed that the El Paso detention facility in Texas where he is being held resembles a “concentration camp,” alleging severe physical and psychological mistreatment.
However, his 19-year-old daughter, Heather Morrissey, who resides in Ireland, has publicly rejected his claims, describing them as an attempt to generate sympathy and mislead the public. Morrissey alleges that her father, who she says abandoned the family during her childhood, is now using online platforms to portray himself as a victim.
Legal Background and Immigration Status
According to available records, Culleton left Ireland in 2008 while facing trial in connection with drug-related charges. He reportedly entered the United States in 2009 under the Visa Waiver Program but remained beyond the authorised period, thereby becoming undocumented.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an official response to the allegations. In a statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that Culleton has been afforded all due legal process. A deportation order was issued on September 10, and he was given the opportunity to voluntarily return to Ireland. Authorities state that he declined that option and is therefore remaining in detention by choice pending further proceedings.
DHS has categorically rejected claims of abusive conditions at the El Paso facility, describing the accusations as unfounded.
Fundraising and Family Tensions
Culleton’s case has also sparked controversy over reported fundraising efforts on his behalf. Heather Morrissey has indicated that significant sums are being collected and has warned that legal steps may be taken to prevent what she views as misleading campaigns.
She has also questioned why her father does not return to Ireland if he genuinely fears for his safety in U.S. custody.
Complicating matters further, Nevada-based attorney Mark J. Randazza has publicly offered to assist Culleton’s former partner in recovering outstanding child support payments, suggesting that funds raised for Culleton could potentially be used to satisfy those obligations. Morrissey has stated that the family is not currently pursuing formal legal action but is evaluating available options.
Meanwhile, Culleton’s wife, Tiffany Smith, has expressed support for him, defending his claims and circumstances. However, with his past legal history and the official statements from U.S. authorities now in the public domain, the case has become increasingly complex.
A Transatlantic Controversy
What began as allegations of mistreatment inside an immigration detention centre has evolved into a broader dispute involving immigration law, past criminal proceedings, family estrangement, and financial accountability.
As the situation unfolds, competing narratives — one of alleged institutional abuse and another of personal responsibility and contested credibility — continue to shape public perception of the case.
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