Fact Check: ICE arrests Iranians after decades in the U.S. amid deportation drive
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun arresting Iranian nationals who have lived in the United States for decades. One notable case is that of Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, who lived in the U.S. for 47 years before being detained by ICE while gardening in her yard. Kashanian, who arrived in 1978 on a student visa, had applied for asylum due to fears of retaliation for her father's political affiliations but was ultimately denied. Despite her long-term residency and compliance with immigration regulations, she was taken into custody amid a broader crackdown on Iranian immigrants following U.S. military actions against Iran (AP News).
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that at least 11 Iranians were arrested on immigration violations during a recent operation, coinciding with heightened tensions following U.S. military strikes in Iran. The arrests have raised concerns among advocacy groups, who argue that ICE's actions appear to be indiscriminate and not necessarily linked to any credible threats (DHS News, AP News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that ICE is arresting Iranians after decades in the U.S. is substantial. Reports from credible sources such as the Associated Press detail specific cases, including that of Kashanian, and outline the broader context of increased ICE activity targeting Iranians (AP News). The Department of Homeland Security's announcement of arrests aligns with these reports, indicating a systematic approach to detaining Iranian nationals (DHS News).
However, the reliability of the sources must be considered. The Associated Press is a well-established news organization known for its rigorous fact-checking and journalistic standards. The information provided by the Department of Homeland Security is also credible, although it may be subject to political influences, particularly given the contentious nature of immigration policy under different administrations. The lack of specific details regarding the alleged terrorist connections of those arrested, as pointed out by advocacy groups, raises questions about the motivations behind these arrests (AP News).
Furthermore, the context of U.S.-Iran relations is critical. The recent military actions and the subsequent arrests suggest a potential shift in policy that could lead to increased deportations of Iranians, a demographic that historically faced little risk of deportation due to diplomatic challenges (AP News).
Conclusion
The claim that ICE is arresting Iranians after decades in the U.S. amid a deportation drive is True. The evidence presented in multiple credible reports confirms that ICE has initiated a series of arrests targeting Iranian nationals, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for extended periods. This action appears to be part of a broader strategy influenced by recent geopolitical tensions, raising significant concerns about the implications for long-term residents who are not necessarily linked to any threats.
