A Diamond Bar family is grappling with heartbreak after federal agents detained Arpineh Masihi, an Iranian-born woman and longtime U.S. resident, outside her California home earlier this week. Despite the ordeal, her husband, Arthu Sahakyan, remains a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and has refused to take down the MAGA flags outside their residence.
Surveillance footage from the home shows the emotional moment Masihi returned inside to say goodbye to the couple’s four children before being taken into custody.
“She came and kissed the kids, and that was the last time we saw her,” Sahakyan told FOX 11.
Masihi, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee at the age of three, had her green card revoked roughly 15 years ago following a burglary conviction in 2008. Sahakyan insists the charge was for “misdemeanor stuff” and says they’ve spent years navigating the legal system to restore her status.
He explained that during a routine immigration check-in in April, Masihi was told everything appeared fine and was asked to return in the fall. But her detainment came just days after the U.S. conducted airstrikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, heightening national security concerns.
Federal officials confirmed that more than 130 Iranian nationals were detained across the U.S. last week, amid fears of potential retaliatory actions by sleeper cells.
“I’m very much in favor of vetting Iranian nationals,” Sahakyan said. “Even though I miss [my wife] dearly, I believe in stronger vetting so we know who’s here and why. But I also think there should be a faster way to figure out she’s not a threat—and release her.”
During the FOX 11 interview, Masihi called her family in tears.
“I’m on the list to be moved to another facility,” she said, her voice shaking.
While the situation has forced Sahakyan to reflect on the complexities of immigration enforcement, his core beliefs remain largely unchanged.
“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.”
Despite pleas from friends to take down his MAGA 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 an official statement, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed Masihi’s detention:
“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.”
As the family awaits updates on Masihi’s case, they remain caught between personal pain and political conviction.
