In a shocking turn of events, an undocumented Irish immigrant, Patrick Moran, found himself at the center of a dramatic incident that resulted in his detainment by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Living in New York City, Moran had established a successful career in historic preservation, working on projects for iconic institutions like Carnegie Hall and the American Museum of Natural History. However, his life took a dark twist when his longtime boyfriend, Nicholas Kjos, allegedly reported him to authorities.
The betrayal behind closed doors
For twenty years, Moran and Kjos shared a life together in their luxurious Tribeca triplex, a property valued at an impressive $4 million. As tensions rose during a costly renovation of their home, the couple’s relationship began to deteriorate. The escalating arguments around the renovation expenses hinted at deeper issues. Moran noted that the fighting had grown increasingly hostile, with Kjos even hurling insults regarding Moran’s immigration status, threatening to call ICE.
From partnership to peril
As the renovation dragged on, it became clear that their relationship was reaching a breaking point. Moran believed in the possibility of salvaging their bond, despite the strain. However, Kjos appeared to have other motives. With all significant assets registered in Kjos’s name due to Moran’s undocumented status, Kjos had a financial incentive to remove Moran from the picture.
A chilling encounter with ICE
On Halloween of, Kjos executed his plan by unlocking their apartment door remotely, allowing eight armed ICE officers to storm in and detain Moran. According to court documents, the officers found no illicit substances or evidence of wrongdoing during their search. However, the emotional toll of the event was severe for Moran, who was taken away in nothing but a T-shirt and sweatpants, pleading for a chance to dress appropriately and collect his belongings—requests that were swiftly denied.
Weaponizing immigration enforcement
Moran’s attorney, Andreas Vasilatos, articulated the grave implications of the situation, likening it to a mafia-style maneuver where a person is eliminated from the equation not through violence but through a call to immigration authorities. Moran described his feelings during the ordeal as a mix of sadness and disbelief. After two decades of sharing his life with Kjos, he never anticipated such a betrayal.
Legal battle for justice
Following his release, which came after a harrowing journey through multiple ICE detention centers, Moran made the difficult decision to self-deport to Ireland. In the aftermath, he decided to take legal action against Kjos, filing a lawsuit that accuses him of attempting to exploit Moran’s immigration status in a bid to gain control of their shared assets. The lawsuit seeks to establish a constructive trust, which could potentially force Kjos to return the property to Moran, thereby addressing the issue of unjust enrichment.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Moran’s story sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by undocumented immigrants in intimate relationships and the potential for exploitation. The case encapsulates a broader narrative about love, trust, and the often precarious nature of immigration status in the U.S.
Currently, Kjos remains in possession of their Tribeca condo and their dog, while Moran fights for his rights and seeks to reclaim what is rightfully his. This case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform that protects individuals from such abuses and provides a fair pathway to stability and security.