A California man refused to tone down his support for President Donald Trump even after his wife, an Iranian national, was taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week amid fears of “sleeper cell” attacks in the wake of the U.S. strikes on Iran.
“Trump is not trying to do anything bad,” Arthu Sahakyan told Fox affiliate KTTV. “We understand what he’s doing. He wants the best for the country. I’m just trying to make the best of it.”
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Sahakyan’s wife, Arpineh Masihi, immigrated to the U.S. when she was 3 years old as a refugee, but had her green card revoked about 15 years ago when she was convicted of a theft-related crime.
Masihi’s husband told the outlet they’ve been trying to regain her legal status, but she was detained June 30, a week after the U.S. bombed three nuclear sites in Iran. Home surveillance footage reviewed by KTTV reportedly showed agents outside to take Masihi away.
“She came and kissed the kids and that was it,” Sahakyan said. “That was the last time we saw her.”
Masihi’s detainment comes at a time when the Trump administration has intensified fears over Iranian “sleeper cells.” The Department of Homeland Security issued a threat bulletin last month stating that “the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to US-based individuals plotting additional attacks.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection had also spurred additional fears over Iranian sleeper cells, alleging that thousands of Iranian nationals have entered the country illegally.
“Though we have not received any specific credible threats to share with you all, the threat of sleeper cells or sympathizers acting on their own, or at the behest of Iran has never been higher,” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott wrote in a memo.
In recent weeks, Iranian nationals who have lived in the U.S. for decades, and whose loved ones say are not threats to national security, have been taken by ICE, the Associated Press reported.
Attorney General Pam Bond claimed that Iranian sleeper cells had “invaded” the country.
“We have, thus far, arrested 1,500 illegal Iranians in our country,” she told Congress.
Sahakyan told KTTV that “because of the sleeper cells” he is “very for” the U.S. vetting Iranian nationals.
“I think it 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,” Sahakyan said. “I think we could have a faster process [where they determine] she’s not a radical, or tied to the crazies, let her out.”
Sahakyan’s wife was reportedly very emotional during her phone call with KTTV as she remains unsure what will happen to her immigration status.
Sahakyan said he and his family continue to proudly support Trump, despite what his wife is going through, because he believes the president is trying to make the country more safe.
“I’m still supporting [Trump],” Sahakyan said. “Even though my friends say take the flag down, you’re going through a lot. I’m like, no. The flag stands.”
