Washington, D.C.
As tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate, the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies appear to be targeting Iranian-origin residents inside America. In a shocking move, immigration authorities arrested a 75-year-old Iranian woman — who had been living peacefully in the U.S. for nearly five decades — from her own backyard in California.
 |
| Trump image |
Who is Donna Kashanian?
Mandona "Donna" Kashanian, a 75-year-old Iranian woman, first arrived in the U.S. in 1978 on a student visa. Fleeing the political turmoil in Iran, she sought asylum in the U.S., citing threats to her life due to her father’s support for the Shah regime. Her asylum request was ultimately denied, but she was allowed to stay in the country.
Over the next 47 years, Donna lived a quiet, law-abiding life in the U.S. She married an American citizen, raised a daughter, and regularly reported to immigration authorities (ICE) — even during natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. She had no criminal record and no history of violence or radical activity.
Missile Strikes on Iran Spark Detentions
Following recent U.S. missile strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities — ordered by former President Donald Trump — the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began detaining Iranian nationals within the country, citing “national security concerns.”
In one such incident, ICE officers entered Donna’s garden in Los Angeles and arrested her without prior notice. Her family, including her husband and daughter, were left in shock and disbelief.
What Is the Government Saying?
The DHS claims the arrests are part of a broader initiative to preemptively neutralize potential “sleeper cells” or foreign threats within the U.S., especially in light of rising tensions with Iran. However, critics argue that detaining elderly, peaceful residents like Donna — without any evidence of wrongdoing — raises serious concerns about civil liberties and racial profiling.
Community and Human Rights Response
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) strongly condemned the arrests, stating, “These actions are based on fear, not facts. They are targeting people solely because of their ethnicity, not any proven threat.”
Local churches, community centers, and immigrant rights groups in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago have begun offering legal aid and sanctuary to affected Iranian-American families.
Could This Be a Sign of What's to Come?
Donald Trump has hinted at reinstating harsh immigration policies, including a possible revival of the controversial "Muslim Ban." If re-elected, experts fear an increase in racially-motivated detentions and deportations under the guise of national security.
---
Conclusion
The arrest of Donna Kashanian, a woman who spent nearly half a century contributing to American society, highlights the fine line between national security and civil rights. With no criminal record or history of misconduct, her sudden detention raises pressing questions about the Trump administration’s real motives.
Is this truly about keeping America safe — or is it a politically charged crackdown targeting specific communities?
