Irish Tech Worker Detained 100 days by US Authorities for Overstaying Visa
A 35-year-old father spent 100 days in US detention after overstaying his visa by three days due to a medical issue.
An Irish tech worker, aged 35, has been imprisoned in the United States for a period of 100 days after overstaying his visa by three days.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding immigration enforcement practices within the country.
The individual, who has three children, traveled to West Virginia under the Visa Waiver Program, which permits tourists to remain in the US for up to 90 days.
His return was delayed due to a medical issue; specifically, he suffered a torn calf muscle and was advised by a physician to refrain from travel for eight to twelve weeks due to the risk of developing blood clots.
After being unable to fly back home as planned, the man was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a domestic incident involving his girlfriend, which led to police involvement.
He faced a charge of falsely imprisoning his girlfriend, a claim she did not endorse.
After being granted bond for this charge, he was subsequently taken into ICE custody.
Following his detainment, he was transferred to three different facilities before being held in a federal prison designated for criminal defendants, despite his status relating to an immigration violation.
During his time in detention, he reported limited outdoor access, stating he received only an hour of outside time daily and was placed on lockdown for extended periods.
In detailing his conditions, he described the Atlanta facility as particularly inadequate, citing infestations of cockroaches and mice, along with unsanitary living conditions.
Detained individuals were given insufficient personal hygiene supplies, including only one roll of toilet paper per week, and food quality was described as severely deficient.
Thomas recounted receiving meals that contained inedible materials, as well as wearing used and torn clothing without adequate warmth.
Throughout his detention, he experienced significant challenges with access to medical care, including psychiatric medication.
Once received, the medication was often delivered in an undignified manner, underscoring the lack of appropriate healthcare protocols within the facility.
In March, after approximately two months in detention, he was transferred again before being escorted onto a flight back to Ireland, where he faces a ten-year ban from re-entering the United States.
Advocacy groups have expressed concern over the treatment of individuals in similar circumstances, highlighting cases such as Thomas's as indicative of broader systemic issues within US immigration enforcement practices.
Thomas himself has expressed ongoing difficulties with mental health following his experiences, noting the lasting impact of his detention on his well-being.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding immigration enforcement practices within the country.
The individual, who has three children, traveled to West Virginia under the Visa Waiver Program, which permits tourists to remain in the US for up to 90 days.
His return was delayed due to a medical issue; specifically, he suffered a torn calf muscle and was advised by a physician to refrain from travel for eight to twelve weeks due to the risk of developing blood clots.
After being unable to fly back home as planned, the man was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a domestic incident involving his girlfriend, which led to police involvement.
He faced a charge of falsely imprisoning his girlfriend, a claim she did not endorse.
After being granted bond for this charge, he was subsequently taken into ICE custody.
Following his detainment, he was transferred to three different facilities before being held in a federal prison designated for criminal defendants, despite his status relating to an immigration violation.
During his time in detention, he reported limited outdoor access, stating he received only an hour of outside time daily and was placed on lockdown for extended periods.
In detailing his conditions, he described the Atlanta facility as particularly inadequate, citing infestations of cockroaches and mice, along with unsanitary living conditions.
Detained individuals were given insufficient personal hygiene supplies, including only one roll of toilet paper per week, and food quality was described as severely deficient.
Thomas recounted receiving meals that contained inedible materials, as well as wearing used and torn clothing without adequate warmth.
Throughout his detention, he experienced significant challenges with access to medical care, including psychiatric medication.
Once received, the medication was often delivered in an undignified manner, underscoring the lack of appropriate healthcare protocols within the facility.
In March, after approximately two months in detention, he was transferred again before being escorted onto a flight back to Ireland, where he faces a ten-year ban from re-entering the United States.
Advocacy groups have expressed concern over the treatment of individuals in similar circumstances, highlighting cases such as Thomas's as indicative of broader systemic issues within US immigration enforcement practices.
Thomas himself has expressed ongoing difficulties with mental health following his experiences, noting the lasting impact of his detention on his well-being.
