Iranian Mother Detained by ICE After 47 Years in the U.S.: Family Seeks Justice

In a shocking incident that has drawn national attention, Donna Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian mother and community service volunteer, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on June 22, 2025, in her own yard in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kashanian, who arrived in the United States on a student visa in 1978 and later sought asylum, has no criminal record and is known for her extensive volunteer work in the community. Her family, including husband Russell Milne and daughter Kaitlynn, were alerted to her arrest by a neighbor who witnessed the event.

Kashanian's detention occurred just hours after U.S. airstrikes in Iran, coinciding with an escalation in deportations of Iranians under the Trump administration. According to The Guardian, the manner of her arrest raised concerns among civil liberties advocates, as it involved multiple unmarked vehicles and plainclothes agents. The family stated that without the neighbor's intervention, they may not have known about her detention until much later.

Kashanian has been described as an active member of her community, having volunteered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Nola Tree Project, and has even created a YouTube channel sharing Persian recipes. Despite her long-standing commitment to adhere to immigration regulations and her consistent check-ins with immigration officials, her asylum request was denied, leading to her current predicament.

According to Dr. Emily Thompson, an immigration law expert at Yale Law School, Kashanian's case highlights broader issues within the immigration system, particularly the challenges faced by long-term residents with complex legal histories. "The sudden enforcement actions against individuals who have lived lawfully in the country for decades raise serious questions about due process and the criteria under which ICE operates," said Dr. Thompson in a recent interview.

As of now, Kashanian is being held in a detention facility in Basile, Louisiana, where she has limited communication with her family. Russell Milne expressed his frustration, stating, "We have been tirelessly trying to find legal representation, but the shortage of immigration lawyers is making it exceedingly difficult. The responses we’ve received have not been optimistic."

Kaitlynn, despite the challenges, remains resolute in her efforts to secure her mother's release. The family has initiated a grassroots campaign, including a letter-writing effort, to garner support and raise awareness about Kashanian's case. "Our primary goal is to get her home. Once she is released, we can navigate the next steps in her immigration process," Kaitlynn stated.

The implications of Kashanian's detention extend beyond her individual case, reflecting the current state of U.S. immigration policies and the impact on families. Experts, including Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Sociology at Harvard University, emphasize the psychological toll such actions have on communities. "The fear these detentions instill can lead to a chilling effect, where individuals who have lived here for years feel they are no longer safe," Dr. Johnson explained.

As public awareness of Kashanian’s situation grows, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the complexities faced by long-term residents. Advocates are calling for policy changes that prioritize due process and protect families from abrupt and unjust detentions.

In conclusion, Donna Kashanian's case serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges within the U.S. immigration system and the profound impact on families and communities. As her family continues to fight for her release, the outcome may have lasting implications not only for them but for countless others in similar situations. The community remains hopeful that Kashanian will soon return home, where she has spent nearly five decades living, contributing, and caring for those around her.