Fact Check: Iranian Woman Detained by ICE After 47 Years in the U.S. Without a Criminal Record
What We Know
Madonna “Donna” Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian woman, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while gardening outside her home in New Orleans. She has lived in the United States for 47 years, having arrived in 1978 on a student visa. Although she applied for asylum due to fears of persecution linked to her father's ties to the U.S.-backed Shah of Iran, her request was denied. However, she was granted a stay of removal, which her family asserts she complied with throughout her time in the U.S. Notably, Kashanian has no criminal record, and her family has expressed that she has always met immigration requirements (The Guardian, Newsweek, Fox8Live).
The timing of her detention coincided with heightened tensions following U.S. airstrikes in Iran, and it was part of a broader operation where ICE arrested 11 Iranians nationwide over the same weekend. Reports indicate that Kashanian's arrest was swift, lasting less than a minute, and she was subsequently transferred to a detention facility in Mississippi before being moved to the South Louisiana ICE processing center (The Guardian, Fox8Live).
Analysis
The claim that Kashanian was detained by ICE after 47 years in the U.S. without a criminal record is supported by multiple credible sources. Both The Guardian and Newsweek confirm her lengthy residency and lack of a criminal history. Additionally, her family has consistently stated that she complied with immigration laws, further substantiating the claim.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their investigative journalism. The Guardian, in particular, has a strong track record of reporting on immigration issues and human rights, while Newsweek is a well-respected publication with a history of covering significant national stories. The information provided by these outlets is corroborated by eyewitness accounts and statements from Kashanian's family, which adds to its credibility.
However, it is essential to note that the context of her detention—occurring shortly after U.S. military actions in Iran—raises questions about the motivations behind such ICE operations. The increase in arrests of individuals without criminal records, as reported, indicates a shift in ICE's enforcement priorities, particularly under the Trump administration (The Guardian).
Conclusion
The claim that an Iranian woman was detained by ICE after living in the U.S. for 47 years without a criminal record is True. The evidence presented from multiple reliable sources confirms her lengthy residency, compliance with immigration regulations, and absence of any criminal history. The circumstances surrounding her detention highlight broader issues within U.S. immigration enforcement practices.
