82-Year-Old Former IRA Leader Faces Deportation from the U.S.

Gabriel Megahey, once a prominent figure in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in North America, is now at risk of being deported after years of residence in the United States. Living in New York for several decades, Megahey received a letter from the Department of Homeland Security indicating the termination of his parole, nearly 30 years after being allowed to stay in the country under special dispensation following the Good Friday Agreement.

The letter warned Megahey not to attempt to remain unlawfully and urged him to depart immediately, stating that the federal government would locate him if he stayed illegally. The 82-year-old shared the notice with the Irish Echo, expressing concern over his future in the U.S.

Megahey smiling at the camera — Gabriel Megahey, pictured in a recent photo, was convicted in 1983 of conspiring to buy weapons to attack British helicopters.

Originally from Belfast, Megahey was convicted in 1983 in Brooklyn for conspiracy to purchase missiles amid the Troubles in Northern Ireland. At the time, authorities identified him as the IRA’s officer commanding for America and Canada. He served five years in federal prison for arms conspiracy, with officials describing him as “the most culpable” among those involved in an IRA weapons plot.

During sentencing, Megahey maintained his innocence and insisted, “No one wants peace more than us.” Released in 1988, he was never deported and was permitted to stay in the U.S. under the peace accords of 1998, which ended decades of violence in Ireland.

Now, as he relies on government benefits for his healthcare, Megahey faces losing his Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, essential for managing his heart condition. He disclosed that without assistance, his medical expenses would be unaffordable, leading him to consider returning to Ireland.

Megahey in a black shirt with boxing gloves — At 82, Megahey is now facing deportation, years after serving his sentence.

He expressed no regrets about his past, saying, “I’d do it all again. But I wouldn’t get caught next time.” The situation remains uncertain as he awaits further government action regarding his status in the U.S.