ICE Releases Iranian Immigrant in New Orleans After Scalise Intervention

Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, an Iranian immigrant who lived in New Orleans for 47 years, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last month while gardening outside her home, despite having no criminal background and regularly checking in with immigration authorities. Her detention sparked a strong community response, including over 200 letters of support and advocacy from Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who urged the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider her case. Kashanian had entered the U.S. legally on a student visa in 1978 and sought asylum after the Iranian revolution, but was denied and faced complications in obtaining permanent residency due to a prior fraudulent marriage. Her release from ICE custody was secured this week, with her family able to reunite with her and Scalise's office working with her attorneys to pursue legal residency or asylum. The case highlights increasing immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump's administration, especially in New Orleans, where local agencies have expanded cooperation with ICE. Kashanian's husband and community members see her arrest and subsequent release as reflective of broader shifts and challenges in U.S. immigration policy enforcement.