Iranian Grandmother Freed From ICE Detention After 47 Years in U.S. Following Lawmaker Intervention

 

An Iranian-born woman who has lived in the United States for nearly five decades was released from federal immigration custody this week following political and community advocacy. Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, 64, was detained last month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while gardening outside her New Orleans home.

Kashanian has resided in the U.S. since 1978. Although her original student visa and later asylum petition were denied, she was allowed to remain in the country as long as she regularly reported to immigration authorities — a condition her family and attorney say she met without fail for over 30 years.

Her sudden detention sparked an outpouring of community support and led to direct involvement from Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who represents a district near New Orleans. Scalise urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reevaluate the case and ensure that Kashanian received “a fair shake,” highlighting her contributions to the local community.

“When she was picked up, we looked at it and said, ‘Are they really looking at it the right way, objectively?’” Scalise said during a local interview. His behind-the-scenes efforts were “absolutely crucial,” according to Kashanian’s attorney, Ken Mayeaux.

Despite her release, Kashanian’s long-term legal status remains uncertain. A DHS spokesperson maintained that “the facts of this case have not changed,” stating that she is in the country illegally and has exhausted all legal avenues.

Kashanian’s immigration troubles began after her asylum request — based on her father’s support for the U.S.-backed Shah of Iran — was denied. A deportation order was issued in 1992, but she was permitted to stay with her U.S. citizen husband and daughter under regular check-in requirements.

Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, a Republican who represents Kashanian’s neighborhood, described her as a dedicated volunteer with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and local schools. More than 100 neighbors submitted letters of support, some even addressed to former President Donald Trump, backing his immigration policies in general but asking for leniency in Kashanian’s specific case.

“She’s just been an incredible volunteer and servant to our Lakeview community,” said Connie Uddo, director of the NOLA Tree Project, where Kashanian and her husband have long volunteered.

ICE defended the arrest, citing the 1992 deportation order and stating on social media, “She was ordered by a judge to depart the U.S. and didn’t. Shouldn’t be a surprise we came knocking.”

Kashanian’s husband, Russell Milne, said the arrest shocked their community. “She’s retirement age. She’s not a threat. Who picks up a grandmother?” he asked.

Her attorney said Kashanian’s case is not isolated. Other longtime residents, including many from Iran, are also being detained as the Trump administration pushes for thousands of arrests per day under a tougher immigration policy. Iran is one of 12 countries impacted by a newly enacted travel ban.

“There is still a tremendous amount of heartache that is happening for people,” Mayeaux said. “The difference is they lived quiet lives and didn’t have access to political power to change the outcomes in their cases.”

For now, Kashanian is back home — but her future remains uncertain as legal efforts to secure permanent residency continue.