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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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...
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Iranian grandmother released after being detained by ICE while gardening outside Louisiana home
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A woman who had lived in the U.S. for nearly 50 years and had no criminal record was detained outside of her home in Lakeview, Louisiana, by ICE agents last month, much to the shock of her family and friends. After nearly three weeks in custody, her family confirmed she has been released, and a Republican lawmaker may be to thank. In June, Mandonna Kashanian's daughter Kaitlyn Milne told Nexstar's WGNO that her mother had be…
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