June 9, 2025 — NEW ORLEANS — In a rare moment of bipartisan compassion amidst a heated immigration debate, Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian immigrant who has called the United States home for 47 years, was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention this week.
Her freedom came after a surge of community support and the pivotal intervention of Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reconsider her case.
Kashanian’s story highlights the complexities of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration and the power of local advocacy in shaping individual outcomes.
Kashanian was gardening in the front yard of her New Orleans home last month when ICE officers detained her.
Having lived in the U.S. since 1978, she had built a life as a devoted mother, wife, and community volunteer.
Her husband, Russell Milne, and their daughter, Kaitlynn Milne, are both U.S. citizens.
For decades, Kashanian complied with immigration requirements, checking in regularly with authorities as mandated.
Her family and attorney insist she posed no threat, with Milne questioning, “She’s retirement age.
She’s not a threat.
Who picks up a grandmother?”
Despite her deep ties to the community, Kashanian’s detention was part of a broader enforcement push under the Trump administration, which has directed ICE to arrest 3,000 people daily.
Iran, her country of origin, is one of 12 nations subject to a U.S. travel ban that took effect this month, raising fears among Iranian Americans that more long-term residents could face deportation.
Kashanian’s attorney, Ken Mayeaux, noted that he represents other clients facing similar fates, underscoring the widespread impact of these policies.
“There is still a tremendous amount of heartache that is happening for people,” Mayeaux told The Associated Press.
A Community Rallies
Kashanian’s detention sparked an immediate response from her Lakeview neighborhood.
Known for her volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, the local school district, and the NOLA Tree Project, she was described by Republican state Representative Stephanie Hilferty as a “devoted mother and wife, a caretaker, neighbor, and dedicated volunteer.”
Over 100 neighbors penned letters of support, detailing her contributions to the community.
Connie Uddo, a neighbor who leads the NOLA Tree Project, wrote, “She’s just been an incredible volunteer and servant to our Lakeview community; everybody knows her because of all she gives and does.”
These letters, shared with the Trump administration by Hilferty and Scalise, painted a vivid picture of a woman deeply embedded in American life.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Kaitlynn Milne further amplified the family’s plea, raising awareness and funds for legal support.
The groundswell of advocacy caught the attention of Scalise, who represents Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District, encompassing New Orleans’ suburbs.
Scalise’s “Crucial” InterventionScalise, a vocal supporter of Trump’s immigration policies, took an unusual step by advocating for Kashanian’s release.
In an interview with local media outlet WDSU, he explained that he asked DHS to give Kashanian “a fair shake,” emphasizing that her “life’s work” and community role warranted a second look.
“When she was picked up, we looked at it and said, ‘Are they really looking at it the right way, objectively?’” Scalise told reporters.
His office did not respond to requests for further comment from The Associated Press.
Mayeaux described Scalise’s involvement as “absolutely crucial” to securing Kashanian’s release after two weeks in custody.
While the exact mechanics of the advocacy remain undisclosed, Scalise’s influence as a high-ranking Republican likely prompted DHS to reassess her case.
However, Kashanian’s legal status remains unresolved, with Mayeaux noting that her future in the U.S. is still being worked out.
Related: US Citizens Captured by ICE Are Now Being Released
DHS Stands Firm on Legal Stance
Despite Kashanian’s release, DHS maintains that her immigration status has not changed.
Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Mandonna Kashanian is in this country illegally. She exhausted all her legal options.”
The department reiterated its commitment to “restoring the rule of law and common sense to our immigration system,” aligning with the Trump administration’s aggressive enforcement stance.
This position has drawn criticism from advocates who argue that deporting long-term residents like Kashanian, who have no criminal history and strong community ties, undermines American values.
The case also raises questions about the selective application of enforcement, as Mayeaux pointed out that many others in similar situations lack access to political influence to alter their outcomes.
Kashanian’s detention comes amid heightened tensions following U.S. military strikes on Iran, which have fueled concerns within the Iranian American community.
The travel ban and increased ICE activity have left many long-term residents apprehensive about their future.
Social media posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users celebrating Kashanian’s release while others speculate about political motivations behind Scalise’s intervention.
One user remarked, “Someone got bribed??,” though no evidence supports such claims.
For now, Kashanian is back home with her family, but her case underscores the precariousness faced by undocumented immigrants, even those deeply integrated into American society.
Her story, amplified by community solidarity and political advocacy, serves as a poignant reminder of the human stakes in the immigration debate.
For the Lakeview community, Kashanian’s release is a victory, but the fight for her permanent status—and for others like her—continues.
Also Read: MAGA Now Scrutinize Trump Over Epstein Client List Failure
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