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Father of two had applied for green card before deportation
A Donegal man has been deported from the United States after living there for 15 years, highlighting growing concerns among undocumented immigrants under renewed immigration enforcement policies.
The 40-year-old, who ran a small construction business near Boston, was removed from the U.S. over the weekend. His two children, aged nine and ten and both born in the U.S., did not accompany him and remain stateside.
Wishing to remain anonymous, the man had originally entered the U.S. on a travel visa and subsequently overstayed. Three years ago, he entered the green card application process, hoping to regularize his status.
His deportation followed a recent arrest stemming from a driving-related offence. After his conviction, he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and held in a detention centre.
His attorney, John Foley, criticised the process and the lack of discretion shown by immigration authorities.
“His personal nightmare is over,” Foley said. “Now, he just wants to move on with his life and find a way to remain a loving father to his children from afar.”
Foley had petitioned for his client’s release under supervision, including the use of a 24/7 ankle monitor. However, these requests were denied.
“My biggest frustration is the inability to communicate with anyone of authority inside ICE,” Foley said. “You’re met with silence—emails go unanswered, voicemails are ignored, and office visits lead nowhere.”
He went on to describe what he sees as a stark shift in immigration enforcement.
“This administration is dangerous,” he stated, referring to the renewed hardline approach under former President Donald Trump’s return to office. “They’re intent on instilling fear—and it’s working. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
According to recent figures reported by NBC News, ICE deported 11,000 migrants in February, over 12,300 in March, and approximately 17,200 in April. While official data from ICE has not been released, the trend has raised alarm among immigrant communities.
Foley said Irish immigrants are increasingly worried, with many contacting him—even those with legal status or minor past offences.
“It’s not just the Irish—this is affecting everyone. I’m hearing from people I haven’t represented in decades who are now living in fear,” he said.
Foley described the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement as “un-American,” warning that its policies could have long-term social consequences.
