Fact Check: "Kashanian never missed immigration check-ins but was still arrested."
What We Know
Mandonna "Donna" Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian woman, has lived in the United States since 1978. She initially arrived on a student visa and later applied for asylum due to fears of persecution related to her father's political stance during the Iranian Revolution. Although her asylum claim was denied, she was allowed to remain in the U.S. under the condition that she regularly checked in with immigration officials. According to her family, Kashanian complied with these requirements, even checking in during Hurricane Katrina, demonstrating her adherence to immigration protocols (AP News, Newsweek).
Despite her compliance, Kashanian was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while gardening at her home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her family has expressed concern over her detention, emphasizing that she has never missed a check-in and poses no threat to public safety (AP News, NOLA).
Analysis
The claim that Kashanian never missed an immigration check-in is supported by statements from her family and corroborated by reports detailing her history of compliance with immigration requirements. Her husband, Russell Milne, stated, "She’s meeting her obligations," reinforcing the assertion that she adhered to the conditions set by immigration authorities (AP News, NOLA).
The context of her arrest is significant, as it coincides with a broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, which has reportedly targeted individuals regardless of their compliance with immigration laws. This has raised concerns among advocacy groups about the arbitrary nature of such arrests (AP News, Newsweek).
The reliability of the sources reporting on Kashanian's case is high, as they include reputable news organizations like the Associated Press and Newsweek, which have a history of fact-checking and journalistic integrity. However, it is essential to note that the political context surrounding immigration enforcement may introduce bias in how these events are reported, particularly in relation to the Trump administration's policies (AP News, NOLA).
Conclusion
The claim that "Kashanian never missed immigration check-ins but was still arrested" is True. Evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Kashanian consistently complied with her immigration check-in requirements. Her arrest appears to be part of a broader pattern of immigration enforcement that has raised concerns about the treatment of long-term residents, particularly those from specific national backgrounds.
