In a significant development that could reshape immigration enforcement, thousands of Iranian nationals currently on Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) non-detained docket may face imminent arrest across the United States.

According to Breitbart, nearly 6,000 Iranian nationals who initially entered the country legally but have since violated their status are now potentially subject to removal. The data reveals that approximately 1,300 of these individuals have criminal convictions, while 2,970 already have final orders of removal.

This enforcement action comes amid heightened tensions following U.S. military operations targeting Iran's nuclear sites. The situation has prompted ICE to intensify its efforts to locate and apprehend individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their terms of entry.

Complex Immigration Status Reveals Troubling Pattern

The non-detained docket maintained by ICE includes various categories of foreign nationals who entered legally but subsequently violated their entry conditions. These violations can range from simple visa overstays to more serious infractions that trigger removal proceedings. Many of these individuals are currently monitored through ICE's Alternatives to Detention (ATD) programs.

ICE's monitoring methods include regular check-ins at ICE offices, ankle monitoring devices, and government-issued smartphones for tracking purposes. The process of removal through immigration courts can extend over several years, during which time these individuals remain in the United States under varying levels of supervision.

Some of these cases involve individuals currently serving sentences in federal or state prisons for criminal convictions. Immigration detainers are typically placed on these cases, requesting notification upon the completion of their criminal sentences.

Recent Enforcement Actions Signal New Phase

A recent arrest in New Orleans has highlighted ICE's intensified focus on Iranian nationals. Mandonna Kashanian, 64, who entered the United States nearly five decades ago on a student visa, was arrested outside her family home in the Lakeview neighborhood on Sunday.

Despite having previously been granted a stay of removal, Kashanian's case illustrates the complex nature of these enforcement actions. While her existing stay of removal may prevent direct deportation to Iran, current immigration law, supported by recent Supreme Court rulings, allows for removal to a third country.

As of June 26, ICE has already arrested more than 100 Iranian nationals nationwide who were in the country illegally. Current reports indicate that 670 Iranian nationals are being held in ICE detention facilities.

Border Security Concerns Add New Dimension

The situation is further complicated by data from the Border Patrol, which has intercepted approximately 1,500 Iranian nationals attempting illegal entry at the southern border during President Biden's term. Nearly half of these individuals were subsequently released into the U.S. interior, adding to the complexity of the enforcement challenge.

These apprehensions have raised concerns about national security implications, particularly given the current geopolitical tensions. The combination of border crossers and visa violators has created a multifaceted challenge for immigration authorities.

The ongoing enforcement operation reflects a broader shift in immigration policy. ICE's current focus on Iranian nationals who have violated immigration laws represents one of the largest coordinated enforcement actions targeting a specific nationality in recent years.

Critical Next Steps for Immigration Enforcement

These developments mark a significant shift in ICE's enforcement priorities and operational focus. The agency's targeting of individuals with final removal orders and criminal convictions suggests a strategic approach to immigration enforcement.

The presence of nearly 6,000 Iranian nationals on ICE's non-detained docket presents both logistical and diplomatic challenges. The enforcement action must balance national security concerns with legal requirements and humanitarian considerations.

Current indicators suggest that ICE will continue to prioritize these cases, particularly focusing on individuals with criminal convictions and final removal orders. The outcome of these enforcement actions could set important precedents for future immigration operations targeting specific national groups.

Why this story matters

This story highlights the growing uncertainty faced by long-term residents with unresolved immigration cases. It sheds light on the increasing enforcement risks faced by specific groups, particularly within the Iranian community, and underscores the evolving focus of federal immigration agencies.

Public awareness of how ICE prioritizes and executes removals is vital for understanding how immigration policy affects communities in real time. As removal operations extend deeper into non-detained populations, thousands across the country may face abrupt legal and personal consequences.

Conclusion

Nearly 6,000 Iranian nationals living in the U.S. may soon face enforcement action due to unresolved immigration issues, including expired visas and finalized removal orders. Of these, about 1,300 have criminal convictions, and nearly half are currently awaiting the outcome of their cases. ICE has already arrested more than 100 Iranians this month, and 670 are currently in detention. The recent case of Mandonna Kashanian, a longtime resident arrested outside her New Orleans home, has drawn attention to how swiftly enforcement efforts can escalate, regardless of a person’s length of stay or prior protections.