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Iranian Woman Released From ICE Custody After Scalise Intervention

Her attorney is collaborating with Representative Steve Scalise’s office on a bid for asylum or permanent residency under revised immigration policies.

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Overview

  • ICE released Mandonna “Donna” Kashanian this week following a direct appeal by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise to the Department of Homeland Security.
  • The 64-year-old was detained on June 22 as she tended her garden in New Orleans despite having no criminal record.
  • More than 100 letters from neighbors and advocacy by state Rep. Stephanie Hilferty helped bring Kashanian’s case to Trump administration officials.
  • Kashanian had lived in the United States since 1978 under a voluntary-departure order and never missed a required check-in with immigration authorities.
  • Her legal team plans to file for asylum or permanent residency under updated laws as ICE continues to step up deportations of Iranian nationals.