NEW ORLEANS – Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, a resident of the United States for 47 years, was unexpectedly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers while gardening at her New Orleans home. Her arrest is part of a broader crackdown on Iranian nationals living in the U.S., raising concerns about the motivations behind these actions.
Immediate Impact
Kashanian arrived in the U.S. in 1978 on a student visa and sought asylum due to fears of retaliation against her family for their support of the U.S.-backed shah. Despite losing her asylum bid, she was allowed to stay, provided she regularly reported to immigration officials. Her compliance, even during Hurricane Katrina, did not prevent her recent detention at an immigration center in Basile, Louisiana.
Key Details Emerge
Other Iranian nationals have also been arrested after decades in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security has not disclosed the number of arrests but confirmed at least 11 Iranians were detained during a weekend coinciding with U.S. military actions against Iran.
“Some level of vigilance makes sense, but ICE seems to be rounding up Iranians indiscriminately,” said Ryan Costello, policy director of the National Iranian American Council.
Industry Response
Homeland Security has been vocal about these arrests, citing national security concerns. Tricia McLaughlin, a department spokesperson, emphasized efforts to identify and detain individuals with suspected ties to terrorism, although no evidence was provided to support these claims.
By the Numbers
- 1,700 Iranians arrested at the Mexican border from October 2021 to November 2024.
- Approximately 600 Iranians overstayed visas in the year ending September 2023.
What Comes Next
The Trump administration has been deporting individuals, including Iranians, to third countries to bypass diplomatic challenges with countries that refuse repatriation. Recent court filings suggest the administration’s intent to expand these deportations to countries like South Sudan.
Background Context
Kashanian’s husband, Russell Milne, insists his wife poses no threat. Her asylum appeal was complicated by a previous marriage deemed fraudulent. Despite these challenges, Kashanian built a life in Louisiana, contributing to the community through volunteer work and cultural engagement.
Expert Analysis
Legal experts and advocates argue that the current geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran have exacerbated the situation for Iranian residents. The recent U.S. travel ban on Iran further complicates the status of Iranians living in the country.
Regional Implications
In Oregon, another Iranian, identified as S.F., was detained ahead of a scheduled ICE check-in. S.F., who has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, faces potential deportation to Iran, where he fears persecution due to his long residency and conversion to Christianity.
“These circumstances relate to the recent bombing by the United States of Iranian nuclear facilities, creating a de facto state of war,” explained Michael Purcell, S.F.’s attorney.
Timeline of Events
- 1978: Kashanian arrives in the U.S. on a student visa.
- 2002: S.F.’s asylum application is denied.
- 2023: Approximately 600 Iranians overstay visas.
- 2024: 1,700 Iranians arrested at the Mexican border.
The future remains uncertain for many Iranians in the U.S. as deportation efforts intensify. Families like Kashanian’s continue to grapple with the fear of separation and the challenges of navigating a complex immigration system.
