Donna Kashanian is a 64-year-old Iranian-American mother, wife, and community volunteer. After falling victim to an even more acute immigration crisis in recent days—ICE agents snatched her up from her own front yard—she has become the face of that crisis. Kashanian is committed to serving her community and has a great love for cooking. All of that changed abruptly on the morning of June 22 when she was accosted by plainclothes ICE agents. Her family and her community have fought so hard to secure her release. Now, they are dealing with the challenges of trying to capitalize while navigating the immigration system.
Kashanian came to the United States in 1978, as a student on a visa. Little by little over the years, she constructed her life in the state that was anything but a homecoming. She sought asylum because she feared persecution relating to her father’s associations with the US-backed Shah of Iran. Despite her efforts to integrate into American society and contribute positively through community service, she has dealt with ongoing immigration checks that loomed over her life.
On that tragic Sunday morning moving up her practice, she was still in her routine, waking up early to set her week in the right direction. She said that as she worked in her garden, a trio of ICE agents confronted her and announced themselves. They shoved her into handcuffs without notice and removed her, confusing and alarming her family who only wanted answers.
“She always says: ‘I’ve already done most of my day before y’all even wake up,’ complaining at us,” said her daughter, Kaitlynn. This recollection of Kashanian’s character really drives home her headstrong and independent nature, combined with her commitment to the wellbeing of others.
Upon her arrest, ICE told Kashanian that she would be transferred to a detention facility in Mississippi. Later, she was moved to a for-profit detention center in Basile, Louisiana. In spite of having no criminal history and a life devoted to serving others, Kashanian is still in ICE detention.
Kaitlynn and her husband Russell have spent nearly six months advocating for legal representation for Kashanian. Despite their success, they have encountered many barriers to their success thus far.
“We have been on the phone nonstop from 8 am to 10 pm almost every day the last week trying to find help,” Kaitlynn shared. “It’s proving difficult because all the immigration lawyers are all dealing with everyone else’s crises as well.” She was disappointed to find that few of these prospects responded with any encouraging news about prospective plaintiff lawyers.
Russell emphasized the urgency of their situation. “Had the neighbors not walked out at the same time they were pushing her into the car, we would not have known she was taken,” he stated. This recent incident is a reminder of how crucial community awareness and support are in protecting animals during these tragic accidents.
Now Kashanian’s family has embarked on a grassroots campaign to raise awareness about her very unusual case. Beyond that, they are launching a letter-writing campaign to advocate for her release from detention. We’re trying to put together a grassroots campaign and a letter-writing campaign on her behalf,” Russell said. That will ideally be enough to at least secure her release from the detention facility. From there, we can continue on to other next steps via the immigration hubs.”
Kashanian has been able to stay in touch with her family while in detention, speaking to them once a day. Throughout these calls, she transmitted the story of her arrest and her life circumstances. Her irrepressible spirit and joy remain undaunted despite the worst circumstances. Those who know her say one on one that she’s an eternal optimist, but it’s actually difficult to get her angry.
As a mother and community member, Kashanian recognizes her privilege and honors her diverse connections. She shares her culinary skills on her YouTube channel, including how to make Persian rice the right way. Her passion for cooking comes out in all aspects of her life. It highlights her determination to bring cultural traditions with her wherever she goes.
Kashanian’s family continues to advocate vigorously for accountability and aid. They cling to the belief that by increasing public understanding of these issues they can effect change for the better. They know that it all adds up to creative and determined advocacy on behalf of their beautiful matriarch.