Husband Refuses To Take Trump Flags Down After Wife Detained by ICE
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A supporter of President Donald Trump has refused to take down MAGA flags outside his home even after federal agents arrested his Iranian wife.
Arpineh Masihi was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Diamond Bar, California, last week, according to FOX 11 Los Angeles.
However, her husband Arthu Sahakyan told the outlet: "I'm still supporting [Trump]. Even though my friends say take the flag down, you're going through a lot. I'm like no. The flag stands."
Federal agents move to reopen the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Portland, Oregon, on June 28, 2018.
Federal agents move to reopen the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Portland, Oregon, on June 28, 2018.
Alex Milan Tracy/Sipa via AP Images
Why It Matters
Tensions are heightened between the U.S. and Iran after Trump ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. There are growing concerns about potential terror cells that could be activated in response.
More than 130 Iranian nationals were detained in the United States last week, according to Fox News.
What To Know
In footage obtained by Fox 11 Los Angeles, Masihi is seen going into her home to say goodbye to the couple's four children as federal agents wait outside.
"She came and kissed the kids and that was it," Sahakyan told the outlet. "That was the last time we saw her."
Masihi was born in Iran and arrived in the United States as a refugee when she was three years old, per the report. Her green card was revoked around 15 years ago following a theft-related conviction, it added.
The family has been navigating the immigration system ever since in hopes of restoring Masihi's American citizenship, Sahakyan said.
He told the outlet that his family has long supported Trump, believing his immigration policies aim to strengthen national security. However, he acknowledged that his views on the issue have shifted somewhat in light of recent events.
"Trump is not trying to do anything bad," Sahakyan said, per the report. "We understand what he's doing. He wants the best for the country. I'm just trying to make the best of it. I don't want any families to go through this. If they are, I apologize for what they're going through because it's hard."
What People Are Saying
Arthu Sahakyan told Fox 11 Los Angeles: "I'm very for [the United States vetting] Iranian nationals because of the sleeper cells."
"I think [the recent arrests of Iranians] will resolve a lot of issues because we'll know exactly who's in here for what reasons. Even though I miss [my wife] dearly. I think we could have a faster process [where they determine] she's not a radical, or tied to the crazies, let her out."
Arpineh Masihi told Fox 11 Los Angeles: "I'm on the list to be going to a different facility."
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