An Irish immigrant who lived in the United States for more than two decades was deported after his long-term boyfriend reportedly called U.S. immigration authorities during a bitter argument about their luxury Tribeca triplex in Manhattan.
According to a civil lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, 46-year-old Patrick Moran – a well-regarded expert in historic preservation who worked on major New York City landmarks – was in the middle of renovating a $4.3 million apartment with his partner, Nicholas Kjos, when tensions escalated.
Moran says that during the dispute Kjos became hostile and at one point called him a “f**king immigrant,” later contacting ICE with claims that Moran was involved in illegal activity – allegations Moran denies. Eight armed ICE agents subsequently entered the Tribeca home in October 2025, detained Moran at gunpoint and began proceedings to remove him from the country.
Moran was held in various detention facilities for about a month before being flown back to Ireland. His attorney describes the situation as a case where immigration enforcement was “weaponized” against him amid a personal and property dispute.
In court papers, Moran alleges that the deportation was part of a scheme by Kjos to gain full control of the condo and other shared assets. Moran’s suit is seeking legal remedies that could force the return of his share of the property and other losses.
Speaking from Ireland, Moran said the ordeal was devastating but said he still believes in the core values of the United States. He also highlighted the difficult conditions faced by many immigrants in detention.
The case comes amid a broader surge in immigration enforcement actions by ICE under current U.S. policy, which has drawn criticism from advocates who say undocumented immigrants can be vulnerable to punitive enforcement in personal disputes.
