Iranian Grandmother Released After Being Detained by ICE While Gardening Outside Louisiana Home
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, JUL 8 – Mandonna Kashanian was detained amid heightened tensions after U.S. airstrikes in Iran and released after nearly two weeks in immigration custody, highlighting local concerns about immigration enforcement.
- Mandonna Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian woman and longtime New Orleans resident, was detained by ICE on June 22 while gardening outside her home.
- She had lived in the US legally since 1978 on a student visa, which expired decades ago, and had faced multiple deportation orders since 1983 but remained due to good moral character.
- Kashanian's detention sparked local political and community support, including a letter campaign and advocacy from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty.
- Over 200 letters praised her community service and character, with Scalise questioning if her case was reviewed objectively and calling for a fair shake from immigration officials.
- Kashanian was released Monday night from ICE detention in Basile, and efforts are underway to assist her in obtaining asylum or legal residency, considering her long-standing adherence to immigration requirements.
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56 Articles
'Her life is on the line', Colorado Springs community fights for Iranian asylum seeker detained by ICE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) A Colorado Springs community is rallying behind an Iranian asylum seeker who was detained by immigration authorities.They are asking questions about why Shabnam Maleki was detained earlier this month.News5 spoke with her friends and a member of Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church. Hear what they have to say in the video player below. Local Iranian-Christian asylum seeker has been detained by ICE"Her ability to co…
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A closed prison in southern Colorado could soon house ICE detainees. - The Salvation Army was warned about safety concerns at a Denver shelter before a child fell from the 7th floor. - Residents at a memory care facility are using their time to help others.
Steve Scalise helps secure release of Iranian woman detained by ICE in New Orleans
Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise successfully advocated for the release of Mandonna "Donna" Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian woman who had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while gardening at her New Orleans home on June 22.
Steve Scalise wants Iranian immigrant to get “a fair shake”
Iranian wife, mother, and community volunteer Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, 64, was taken into ICE custody last month while gardening in the yard of her New Orleans home. Kashanian has lived in the U.S. for the last 47 years, and her husband and daughter...
Iranian woman released from ICE detention after Steve Scalise asks for ‘a second look’
Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, an Iranian woman and New Orleans resident who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 50 years, was released from ICE custody after Rep. Steve Scalise’s intervention.
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