A beloved Iranian-born grandmother who lived in the U.S. for nearly five decades was handcuffed by plainclothes ICE agents while gardening in New Orleans, reigniting fierce debate over immigration enforcement and human impact.
At a Glance
- Madonna “Donna” Kashanian, 64, has lived in the U.S. since 1978.
- She was detained by ICE officers while gardening outside her home.
- Her asylum application was denied, but she held a stay of removal.
- Kashanian has no criminal record and complied with all immigration obligations.
- The incident occurred just hours after U.S. airstrikes in Iran.
Life Interrupted in the Garden
Madonna “Donna” Kashanian, who first arrived in the U.S. on a student visa in 1978, was taken into custody by plainclothes ICE agents as she tended her front yard garden in New Orleans. Agents arrived in unmarked vehicles, handcuffed her in full view of neighbors, and transported her to a jail in Mississippi before transferring her to a detention center in South Louisiana, according to a report from The Guardian.
Kashanian, now 64, had been living under a court-issued stay of removal after her asylum request was denied. Her family and legal team insist she complied fully with all legal requirements tied to that stay.
Watch a report: Garden arrest of immigrant grandma shocks neighbors
Political Ripples and Community Shock
The detention came less than 24 hours after U.S. airstrikes hit targets inside Iran—a detail that sparked allegations of politically timed immigration enforcement. While DHS later confirmed a broader sweep of Iranian nationals over the weekend, it denied a direct connection to the military strikes.
Community members described the arrest as a “traumatizing event” for a peaceful resident long embedded in the neighborhood. Local immigration attorneys and activists are now racing to block her removal in what they call a disproportionate act of cruelty.
Why This Case Matters
Kashanian’s detention has become a flashpoint in the debate over ICE’s arrest of non-criminal residents. According to The Guardian, immigration data shows an 807% surge in removals of individuals without criminal records since January 2025.
The case underscores the emotional toll and legal ambiguities faced by long-term residents with unresolved status—especially those caught in the geopolitical crosshairs. Advocates argue it demonstrates the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform and clearer enforcement priorities.
