A former Irish ambassador to the United States has said growing international attention on the detention of a Glenmore man by US immigration authorities could place pressure on the Trump administration to resolve the case. Daniel Mulhall, a Waterford native and former Irish Ambassador to the US, made the comments while speaking to WLR about the ongoing detention of Seamus Culleton, who has spent five months in ICE custody.

Legal Status and Detention Conditions Separate Issues

Speaking to WLR, Mr Mulhall said the case raises two distinct concerns. He said US authorities must determine Mr Culleton’s legal status through American law, but he stressed that Ireland has a right to raise concerns about detention conditions. Mr Mulhall said the Irish Government can legitimately question whether Mr Culleton’s treatment meets acceptable standards, regardless of his immigration status.

International Media Attention Growing

Mr Mulhall said the case has now attracted international attention. He pointed to coverage on a widely listened-to Sky News podcast, which devoted significant airtime to Mr Culleton’s detention. He said that level of exposure challenges the Trump administration’s public narrative around ICE detainees. “They consistently say those in detention are hardened criminals,” he said, adding that Mr Culleton clearly does not fit that description.

Taoiseach’s White House Visit a Key Factor

The former ambassador said he hopes the issue will resolve before the Taoiseach’s St Patrick’s Day visit to Washington. He said unresolved detention by March would likely place pressure on the Taoiseach to raise the matter directly with President Trump. Mr Mulhall said any such discussion would require a careful and diplomatic approach. He described President Trump as someone who prefers subtle engagement rather than public confrontation.

Embarrassment Risk for US Authorities

Mr Mulhall told WLR that prolonged detention risks embarrassing the US administration if international focus continues. He said the case undermines claims that ICE detains only serious criminals and could prompt US officials to seek a quiet resolution before the issue reaches the White House agenda.

Public Attention Now Driving the Case

Mr Mulhall said legal advisers may initially have preferred to handle the matter privately through the US system. However, he said that approach failed to deliver results. He said public attention now represents the best chance of progress, noting that every additional day in detention harms Mr Culleton. Mr Mulhall said he remains hopeful that the issue will resolve in the coming weeks and that a solution would serve the interests of both governments. For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.