Irish illegal immigrants in Boston fear deportation after arrest of local figure

A prominent figure in Boston's Irish community has been detained for deportation, triggering fears among thousands of other illegal immigrants in the city.

John Cunningham, a former chairman of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Boston, was arrested by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at his home.

“This is the first time we’ve heard in Boston that somebody went to somebody’s house to take somebody," said Mayor Martin Walsh, according to the Boston Herald. "We haven’t heard that before.

“There’s a fear out there, we have to try and tamper the fear down."

Mr Cunningham was detained for overstaying a 90-day visa after entering the United States in 2003, ICE spokesman Shawn Neudauer said in a statement.

“Cunningham entered the country lawfully under the Visa Waiver Program, but failed to depart in compliance with the terms of his visit,” he said.

The move has fuelled concerns among members of the Irish community, who were already worried about Donald Trump's promise to curtail illegal immigration.

Shortly after entering office, the president signed executive orders intended to deter future migration and drive out more illegal migrants from the United States.

“There’s a great deal of fear in the Irish American community and the Irish community,” immigration lawyer John Foley told the Blaze.

“I went to see [Mr. Cunningham] on Sunday and, basically, his world has been turned upside down, he’s been hit with an immigration tsunami. Life as he knew it, is over."

The issue of immigration was raised by Enda Kenny, the then Irish Prime Minister, when he visited the White House in March. 

On people living in the US illegally, Mr Kenny told the president: "We would like this to be sorted. It would remove a burden of so many people that they can stand out in the light and say, now I am free to contribute to America as I know I can. And that's what people want."

There are an estimated 50,000 Irish citizens illegally residing in the US.