• Mandana Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian woman, was detained by U.S. immigration authorities, sparking public debate over immigration policies.
• Her nearly five-decade stay in the U.S. highlights broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and diplomatic relations with Iran.

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Mandana Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian immigrant who has lived in the United States for nearly 50 years, was arrested on June 22 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is currently being detained at a facility in Louisiana. Kashanian’s arrest has drawn attention to ongoing immigration enforcement policies and their impact on individuals with long-standing ties to the country.

ICE officers reportedly apprehended Kashanian in front of her New Orleans home in what witnesses described as a swift operation lasting less than a minute. According to the ICE detainee database, she is being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile, Louisiana, a 1,000-capacity facility run by The GEO Group.

“She’s always worked, had a driver’s license, paid taxes, and has been a contribution to the community her whole life,” said her husband, Russ Milne, who emphasized that she has no criminal history and has complied with immigration requirements.

Immigration History and Legal Complications

Kashanian arrived in the U.S. on a student visa in 1978, just before the 1979 Iranian Revolution. According to court documents reviewed by Newsweek, her visa status changed multiple times over the years, including a transition to remain in the U.S. as the spouse of a nonimmigrant student. Kashanian later applied for asylum, but her claims were denied.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

Her legal challenges were further complicated by what officials described as an “improper” and allegedly fraudulent first marriage. This issue reportedly interfered with her subsequent green card application after she married Milne, a U.S. citizen, in 1990. The couple has a 32-year-old daughter who is also a U.S. citizen.

Court filings indicate Kashanian was granted a stay of removal provided she complied with immigration requirements—a condition her family claims she has consistently met. Her neighbors and family describe her as an active member of the community, volunteering after Hurricane Katrina and sharing Persian recipes on her YouTube channel.

“She’s tried going through the correct system, and it’s been hard for her,” said her daughter, Kaitlynn Milne. “She’s always helping everybody around and has been a huge support system for us.”

Broader Context of U.S.-Iran Relations

Kashanian’s detention comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of Iranian nationals in the U.S. amid strained relations between Washington and Tehran. Recently, the U.S. carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, while Iran retaliated by targeting a U.S. base in Qatar. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also announced the arrests of 11 Iranians entering the U.S. illegally last week.

“Under Secretary Kristi Noem, DHS has been full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists,” said Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of DHS, in a press release. “We are proactively delivering on President Trump’s mandate to secure the homeland.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Since the Iranian Revolution, hundreds of thousands of Iranians have fled to the U.S., often citing persecution under the new regime. Many, like Kashanian’s family, had connections to the ousted Shah’s government. Her father was an engineer for the Shah in Tehran, according to court documents.

Local Reaction and Community Concerns

Kashanian’s detention has sparked local and national debate on the ethics and implications of current immigration policies. Joe Giarrusso, a New Orleans City Council member, voiced his concern on social media.

“Someone living here with the federal government’s full knowledge and approval for nearly 50 years is hardly Public Enemy No. 1,” Giarrusso said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “This should not happen.”

Her neighbor, Sarah Gerig, witnessed the arrest and described it as abrupt and alarming. “It was over in less than a minute,” Gerig told local media, expressing shock at how quickly the situation unfolded.

Meanwhile, Kashanian’s husband expressed frustration with the system. “She’s about to qualify for Medicare. She’s been a part of this community for almost 50 years, and now this happens,” he said.

What Happens Next

Kashanian’s legal status remains uncertain as officials have not yet announced the date of her immigration hearing. The broader case underscores tensions between immigration enforcement and humanitarian considerations, particularly for individuals with deep ties to the U.S.

This story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants navigating complex legal systems and shifting policies. For now, Kashanian’s family and supporters are advocating for her release and urging the public to bring attention to her case.

Follow The Dupree Report On YouTube for the latest updates on immigration and public policy issues.

What do you think about this story? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below!

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10