Fact Check: Iranians face arrest after decades in the U.S. under Trump's deportation drive
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Iranians living in the United States for decades are facing arrests due to a renewed deportation drive by U.S. immigration authorities. For example, Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, who had lived in the U.S. for 47 years, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers while gardening in her yard. She had previously applied for asylum but was allowed to remain in the U.S. under certain conditions, which she complied with over the years (AP News). Reports also state that at least 11 Iranians were arrested over a weekend following U.S. military strikes on Iran, although the Department of Homeland Security has not disclosed the total number of arrests (DHS).
Analysis
The claim that Iranians are facing arrests after decades in the U.S. aligns with multiple credible sources. The AP News article details specific cases of Iranians being detained, including Kashanian, who has no criminal background and has complied with immigration regulations throughout her time in the U.S. This case illustrates the broader trend of arrests among Iranians, which appears to be linked to heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran (AP News).
The Department of Homeland Security's announcement of arrests, including those of Iranians, suggests a systematic approach to immigration enforcement that has intensified under the Trump administration. The department's spokesperson mentioned a focus on identifying and arresting individuals linked to terrorism, although no evidence was provided to substantiate claims of terrorist ties among those arrested (DHS). This lack of transparency raises concerns about the motivations behind these arrests and the potential for racial or national profiling.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they come from established news organizations and government announcements. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in the framing of the arrests as part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy that critics argue disproportionately targets specific ethnic groups.
Conclusion
The claim that Iranians face arrest after decades in the U.S. under Trump's deportation drive is True. Evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Iranian nationals are being arrested by immigration authorities, often after long periods of residency in the U.S. The context of these arrests, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions, suggests a troubling trend in immigration enforcement practices.
