ICE Raid Shocks Pro-Trump Family
On June 30, immigration officers detained Arpineh Masihi, an Iranian-born woman and longtime U.S. resident, at her home in Diamond Bar, California. Masihi, who fled Iran as a toddler, was taken into custody despite being a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump.
Her husband, Arthu Sahakyan, recounted the moment to Fox 11. As ICE arrived, their home stood draped in a large “Keep America Great” Trump flag. Masihi kissed her children goodbye before being led away. The family hasn’t seen her since.
A Devoted MAGA Household
“We supported Trump in the last election,” Sahakyan told Fox 11. “We gave our kids MAGA hats. We wave the flag.” Yet, federal agents still knocked on their door.
Masihi, now in her 40s, has lived in the U.S. since age 3. Around 15 years ago, she lost her green card after a theft conviction. She’s spent years trying to regain legal status while complying with routine immigration check-ins.
U.S.-Iran Tensions Spark Mass Detentions
Everything changed after the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites on June 21. Just days later, Masihi was among more than 130 Iranian nationals detained, according to federal sources.
Though heartbroken, Sahakyan stands by the government’s actions. “I support vetting Iranian nationals because of sleeper cells,” he said. “It could solve a lot of problems… even though I miss her dearly.”
Still Standing by Trump
Despite the personal cost, Sahakyan continues to defend Trump. “He’s not doing anything bad,” he told PEOPLE. “He wants the best for the country. I’m just trying to make the best of it.”
Masihi, meanwhile, is being transferred to another facility. During a tearful call with Fox 11, she admitted, “I’m on the list to be going to a different facility.” Her future in the only country she’s ever known remains uncertain.
“The Flag Stays”
Friends have urged Sahakyan to take the Trump flag down—but he refuses. “Even though my friends say, ‘Take the flag down, you’re going through a lot,’ I’m like, ‘No, the flag stands,’” he said.
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