Latest news with #BrianO'Dwyer
The Journal
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Undocumented Irish are not attending routine US immigration meetings over deportation fears
UNDOCUMENTED IRISH PEOPLE living in the US are not attending routine meetings with immigration enforcement agents out of fear that they may be deported. Many believe that they can 'disappear back into the economy' where they have been evading deportation for years. Others avoid meeting with immigration officials on advice from their solicitor. This is according to two Irish-American lawyers who assist Irish-born people who are living in the US. The lawyers told The Journal that these meetings with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency are typically described to attendants as being informal, but can have serious outcomes. According to Brian O'Dwyer, a veteran Irish-American lawyer and a well-known immigration activist, there have been people who attend the 'routine' meetings 'and have the handcuffs put on them' immediately. However, if someone doesn't turn up to the meeting, a warrant can be issued for them and eventually, ICE agents can obtain a court-ordered deportation notice. The O'Dwyer & Bernstein lawyer in New York said the meetings are currently viewed as a legal 'grey area'. Some Irish people try to avoid them and blend away into the workforce or informal economy, he said. Most undocumented Irish people living in the US have overstayed a visa and are considered 'low-hanging fruit' by ICE officials, it is understood. These visa overstayers are not entitled to appear before a judge if detained by immigration officers, and typically are deported within days. The group commonly come to ICE's attention after being ticketed by police for minor traffic infractions. Boston-based Irish-American immigration lawyer John Foley told The Journal : 'I wouldn't encourage any individual to speak to ICE without first speaking to a lawyer.' Advertisement Foley, who is representing a Donegal man facing deportation despite waiting three years for a green card application, said even if people discuss their meetings with a lawyer, they are not guaranteed their desired outcome. According to the Legal Aid Society in New York, ICE agents require immigrants to appear for regular appointments to confirm that they are still living at the same location and that they are not a security risk. 'It is important to show up to your ICE appointments,' their website says. 'If you miss an appointment, ICE may try to detain you.' O'Dwyer said the detention process amounts to 'deliberate cruelty' and that some people are picked up and 'put into a centre for days on end'. Many people who have been detained by ICE have reportedly not had access to counsel either. The lawyer said there was 'no question' that the manner in which ICE is detaining people is an attempt to intimidate people before deporting them. He said that many Irish citizens facing deportation are 'keeping it quiet' in hopes that they can return again. O'Dwyer said there is no evidence to suggest that there have been any diplomatic communications between the US and Ireland, as there have been in the past, that seek to minimise the deportation of undocumented Irish people in the US. 'I'm unaware of what the Trump administration has done that would give any satisfaction to Irish people,' O'Dwyer said, adding that ICE does not seem to have a 'preference' for who faces deportation. Speaking to The Journal previously, Foley said he had his request for his client's release under 24/7 monitoring with an ankle bracelet rejected, without hesitation. He said there was 'no flexibility' from the ICE officials. He noted that agents had been willing to compromise before the second Trump administration. Foley said fear of deportation is growing among Irish immigrants and other diasporas in the US. Since January, the Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement, carrying out widespread arrests at immigration courts across the US. Over 70,000 people have been detained and deported since Trump took office in January. Increased deportations have impacted many Irish nationals living in the US, sparking concern among communities and advocacy groups about family separations and legal rights. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Belfast Telegraph
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Irish avoiding GAA matches in US as numbers of undocumented sent to detention centres rising, says lawyer
People are being quietly detained under Donald Trump's measures Irish people living in the US are avoiding going to GAA matches and Irish dances amid rising fears over being deported under Donald Trump. New York lawyer Brian O'Dwyer said he is aware of Irish people being quietly detained and deported.
West Australian
01-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Geraldton Turf Club host final meet of successful 2024-25 racing season
The Geraldton Turf Club is preparing to host its final meet of a very successful 2024-25 season, with healthy attendance numbers and a track that held together for 20 meets. Club president Brian O'Dwyer said the season was a success as the club overcame issues on the track to turn in one of its best Geraldton Cup days in recent history. 'This season was a very successful one on and off the track,' he said. 'Attendance numbers were great throughout the season, in particular our bigger days — Walkaway Cup, Ladies Day, Melbourne Cup Day and Geraldton Cup Day. 'Seeing young people still enjoying racing means we can look forward to the future and to see them attending our meets is really good to see for the sport here.' The club's biggest hurdle in 2024-25 was when the aged irrigation system blew on a handful of occasions, leaving it walking on eggshells as they continued with the season, postponing only one meet. With Labor backflipped on funding to upgrade infrastructure close to the State election, the turf club was forced think of a Plan B, but Labor reversed its decision after many clubs spoke out in protest. O'Dwyer said all things considered, to come out the other side relatively unscathed was lucky but also a show of the strength of the community in racing. 'We faced those challenges only a matter of weeks before the Geraldton Cup,' he said. 'To be able to produce the track that we did for our biggest day of the year, given our circumstances only a matter of weeks beforehand, was pleasing to see. 'The racing community rallied to get that funding back and we did, which is pleasing for us, knowing that the racing community are behind us.' Now the focus shifts to the club's last meet of the year this Sunday as the 20-meet season draws to a close. Race of the day looks to be race six, with Jockey of the Year at Geraldton and Provincial Jockey of the year Tash Faithfull headlining proceedings on board Ron Cowl's Sanabeau. Julia Martin and jockey Kristy Bennett join forces once more to round off the season with Miff Muffered Moof, who has continued to be one to look out for over the middle distances. Gordon Spowart's Skittish runs out of a favorable barrier three with Troy Turner taking the reins. Another jockey who has proven his worth this season on the Geraldton track is Austin Galati, who will be racing with trainer Kevin Mahoney on Kentucky Blue out of barrier two. Entry is free, with the gates opening at noon on Sunday.
