As the Trump administration escalates its immigration crackdown, the devastation is acutely felt in the Iranian American community, where long-standing residents like Mandonna "Donna" Kashanian, 64, are being ripped from their homes and families. After 47 years in the U.S., Kashanian was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while tending to her garden in New Orleans, a shocking reminder of how vulnerable immigrants are under this regime.
Decades of Stability Shattered Instantly
Kashanian's journey to the United States began in 1978 on a student visa, fleeing the oppressive regime of the U.S.-backed shah. Her asylum request was denied, yet she managed to build a life, marry a U.S. citizen, and raise a daughter. Her compliance with immigration laws over decades, including a check-in during Hurricane Katrina, seems to have meant little to the current administration. Instead, it appears that a directive has been issued to target Iranians indiscriminately, as noted by Ryan Costello, policy director of the National Iranian American Council, who voiced concerns over the arbitrary nature of these arrests.
Broader Implications of Targeted Arrests
As reported by research on ICE's impact, the psychological toll on families affected by deportations can be profound, leading to long-term instability and trauma. With the backdrop of U.S. military strikes on Iran, these arrests exacerbate existing fears within immigrant communities. The arbitrary nature of these detentions raises serious civil rights concerns as the government seems to be conflating immigration violations with national security threats without any substantiated evidence.
Congressmen reach out to family of Lakeview woman detained by ICE
Facing Deportation to Danger
The implications of deporting individuals like Kashanian or S.F., another Iranian man recently detained in Oregon, are dire. S.F., who has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years and has U.S. citizen children, could be sent back to a climate of persecution intensified by recent U.S. military actions in Iran. His attorney argues that returning him would expose him to "a vastly increased danger of persecution," a sentiment echoed by many in the community, as noted in studies on deportation impacts.
A Systematic Attack on Immigrant Rights
The Trump administration's approach to immigration is not just about enforcement; it is a systematic attack on the rights and dignity of immigrant communities. The announcement of at least 11 Iranian arrests during military operations is not mere coincidence but part of a broader strategy to instill fear and compliance among immigrant populations. The targeting of individuals with longstanding ties to the community, like Kashanian, represents a chilling example of how easily familial bonds can be severed.
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Community Resistance and Advocacy
In the face of this aggressive deportation strategy, advocacy groups are mobilizing to protect the rights of immigrants. The National Iranian American Council has been vocal about the need for accountability and transparency from the Department of Homeland Security, which has failed to communicate effectively about the criteria used for these arrests. As families like Kashanian’s struggle to navigate the treacherous waters of immigration enforcement, the importance of community solidarity and legal advocacy becomes even more apparent.
