A Diamond Bar family is reeling after Arpineh Masihi, an Iranian-born longtime U.S. resident, was taken into federal custody earlier this week—but her husband, Arthu Sahakyan, remains committed to the MAGA movement, refusing to remove his Trump flags from their home.
Emotional Arrest Captured on Camera
Surveillance footage captured the emotional moment Masihi returned inside to say goodbye to her four children before being detained.
“She came and kissed the kids, and that was the last time we saw her,” Sahakyan told FOX 11.
Masihi, who came to the U.S. as a refugee at age 3, reportedly lost her green card after a 2008 burglary conviction. Sahakyan described the charge as “misdemeanor stuff”, and said the couple has spent years trying to resolve her immigration status.
Although immigration officials assured Masihi during an April check-in that everything looked fine, she was arrested unexpectedly this week—just days after U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites raised national security concerns.
Federal sources said over 130 Iranian nationals were detained nationwide, citing fears of retaliation by potential sleeper cells.
Husband Supports Vetting—but Wants Compassion
“I’m very much in favor of vetting Iranian nationals,” Sahakyan said. “Even though I miss [my wife] dearly, I believe in stronger vetting… but there should be a faster way to figure out she’s not a threat—and release her.”
Masihi, speaking tearfully by phone during the FOX 11 interview, said, “I’m on the list to be moved to another facility,” her voice shaking.
Sahakyan admits the ordeal has made him reflect on immigration policies more personally.
“I was selfish before. But now that I’m going through it, I see both sides. Still, I understand there’s a reason behind this.”
MAGA Flags Remain Outside Home
Despite pressure from friends and neighbors to remove the pro-Trump flags, Sahakyan stands firm.
“I’m still supporting [Trump]. The flag stays,” he said. “This isn’t easy, but we believe he wants the best for the country.”
DHS Confirms Deportation Order
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed Masihi’s arrest:
“On June 30, ICE arrested Arpineh Kamal Masihi, a criminal illegal alien from Iran. She was convicted of burglary and sentenced to two years in prison in 2008. A final order of removal was issued in 2009. She had more than 15 years to self-deport. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”
For now, the family waits—torn between personal loss and political conviction, hoping for a resolution that brings Masihi home.
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