A Morning Turned Into a Nightmare

Kaitlynn Milne could always count on her mother, Madonna "Donna" Kashanian, to be up before dawn, tending to her beloved garden in New Orleans. At 64, Donna is not just a mother; she’s a dedicated volunteer, PTA member, and skilled home cook, known for her kindness and community spirit.

The Shocking Arrest

On June 22, everything changed. While her husband Russell slept inside, Donna was confronted in her yard by plainclothes ICE agents who swiftly arrested her without warning. The family only learned of her detainment from a neighbor who witnessed the shocking scene.

Russell described the chaotic moment, revealing that multiple unmarked cars were involved. "If it weren’t for the neighbors, we wouldn’t have known she was gone," he said.

From Fear to Isolation

An hour later, Donna managed to call her family from an ICE holding center in Mississippi, explaining her ordeal. Despite a life dedicated to community service and no criminal record, she was now in the grips of a system that seemed indifferent to her long history in the USA.

The Impact of Political Climate

Her arrest coincided chillingly with US airstrikes in Iran and a larger crackdown on Iranian immigrants under the Trump administration. This campaign has escalated fears across communities, as numerous families face similar devastating interventions.

A Life of Resilience

Donna arrived in the US in 1978 on a student visa and later sought asylum due to threats against her family. Despite her status complexities, she always complied with immigration requirements, even checking in during Hurricane Katrina.

Her philanthropic work speaks volumes of her character—volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and running a YouTube channel sharing Persian recipes. All while balancing her dedication to her daughter, Kaitlynn, who recalls her mother's unwavering support throughout her schooling.

Communication Breakdown

Since her transfer to a facility in Louisiana, Donna has been in communication with her family once a day. However, their time together is limited, heightening their anxiety about her situation and the lack of information.

A Fight for Justice

Russell and Kaitlynn are on a relentless pursuit to secure legal assistance for Donna, navigating a complicated system that has lost some of her crucial documents. They have faced challenges due to a shortage of immigration lawyers, exacerbated by the surge in detentions across the country.

Kaitlynn, despite the challenges, remains optimistic, fueled by the desire to help others. She recalls tearfully a moment from her childhood when her mother organized a French book section for her elementary school library—an act of love that showcases Donna’s commitment to community.

A Hopeful Path Forward

For now, the family is focused on grassroots efforts and letter-writing campaigns to advocate for Donna’s release from detention. Russell emphasizes, "The first step is to get her home, then we will address the next steps with the immigration offices."