Daughters of Irishman held by ICE say father abandoned them and should return to face drug charges: report
The twin daughters of an Irishman held in a Texas immigration detention facility for nearly five months have spoken out against their father, calling him an absentee parent and urging Irish authorities to send him back to Ireland to face drug charges. Seamus Culleton, who has been pleading for intervention to return to his American wife and life in Boston, was accused by his daughters Heather and Melissa Morrissey of abandoning them when they were just 18 months old.
Heather and Melissa, who are about to turn 19, revealed that their father left their mother, Margaret Morrissey, to raise them alone and they have not received any child support from him since. Culleton, who overstayed his 90-day tourist visa more than 15 years ago, has been detained by ICE authorities in Texas and is facing long-standing drug charges in Ireland dating back to 2008.
The twins expressed their shock and disappointment at Culleton’s actions, stating that he should not have come forward about his immigration case with outstanding warrants for his arrest in Ireland. They also criticized a GoFundMe campaign that has raised funds for his legal fees, calling it “nearly child maintenance money.”
Culleton’s wife, Tiffany Smyth, made comments on TikTok about wanting her husband to return home to take care of their “babies,” referring to their dogs, which further upset the twins. They emphasized that their father’s priorities should lie with his children, not his pets.
Culleton, who claimed to have a valid US work permit and a pending green card application, was arrested by ICE agents after a routine stop at a Home Depot. He has been held in what he described as “filthy” conditions at a camp facility in Texas, leading to fears for his safety. Despite receiving a final deportation order from a federal judge, Culleton chose to remain in ICE custody.
As his case continues to unfold in the immigration courts, Culleton has described the harrowing conditions he is enduring, including limited outside time, small meals, and unsanitary bathrooms. Politicians in Ireland have promised to address his case with the White House.
In conclusion, the estranged twin daughters of Seamus Culleton have shed light on his past actions and current situation, highlighting the complexities of immigration detention and the impact on family dynamics. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of past decisions and the importance of prioritizing responsibilities.
