When Arpineh Masihi was detained by ICE on June 30, many assumed her husband, Arthu Sahakyan, might reconsider his outspoken support for Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies.
But as Sahakyan told Fox11 in an interview Tuesday, he’s not backing down.
Masihi, who came to the U.S. as a three-year-old refugee when her family fled Iran, is one of around 400,000 Iranian-born immigrants living in the country. She grew up in Los Angeles, secured a green card, and built a life with her husband and three sons.
Fifteen years ago, her green card was revoked following a theft conviction involving less than $200, according to Sahakyan. Since then, she had been regularly checking in with immigration authorities in hopes of restoring her legal status.
That changed last month. Following a U.S. military strike on Iran, federal officials ramped up enforcement efforts, citing national security concerns. Over 130 Iranian nationals were detained, including Masihi, who was taken from the family’s home by federal agents.
Despite his wife’s arrest, Sahakyan has kept the family’s large Trump flag displayed outside their home. A longtime supporter of the former president, Sahakyan says he and Masihi even bought MAGA hats for their children during Trump’s most recent campaign. Fox11 footage showed one of their sons crying in the wake of his mother’s detainment.
Asked whether the ordeal has made him rethink his views on immigration, Sahakyan acknowledged some internal conflict.
“It’s changed me somewhat—only because I’m going through it now. I was very selfish before,” he said. “But I still see the reason behind it.”
He maintained his belief in the necessity of immigration enforcement, including ICE’s actions. “Detaining people like my wife will resolve a lot of issues because we’ll know exactly who’s here, and for what reasons,” he said. “Even though I miss her dearly.”
As for Trump, Sahakyan remains supportive: “He’s not trying to do anything bad. He wants what’s best for the country.”
Masihi is expected to be transferred to a different detention facility soon. Her future remains uncertain.
