Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
248. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens currently detained in ICE custody in the United States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12495/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my department. Ensuring our citizens receive timely and empathetic support from our Embassies and Consulates worldwide is a priority for me in my role as Minister.
I can confirm that there are a small number of Irish citizens (6) currently in ICE facilities who have requested and are receiving consular assistance. While I cannot speak about individual cases, I can confirm that my officials are in regular touch with the citizens involved and are providing consular support. My officials will continue to monitor developments in these cases and provide appropriate support.
The assistance my Department provides on a deportation, like with any other case, will depend on the individual circumstances of that case. Assistance can include, for example, facilitating communication between the citizen and their family, engaging with the relevant local and national authorities, providing a list of lawyers, or sharing information on the deportation process with family members. This is not an exhaustive list and each case is considered on a case-by-case basis.
I would also note that through our diplomatic network across the US, my Department also works closely with a number of partner organisations and immigration centres supporting Irish immigrants in providing reliable, trust-worthy information and advice. These organisations are supported under the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme, which in 2025 provided over €4.5 million in funding to support Irish organisations across the United States, including those that work with citizens seeking to regularise their immigration status.
I want to reassure the Deputy that my officials stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance to Irish citizens who get into difficulty abroad.
