A California man refused to tone down his assist for President Donald Trump even after his spouse, an Iranian nationwide, was taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement final week amid fears of “sleeper cell” assaults within the wake of the U.S. strikes on Iran.
“Trump shouldn’t be making an attempt to do something dangerous,” Arthu Sahakyan instructed Fox affiliate KTTV. “We perceive what he’s doing. He needs the most effective for the nation. I’m simply making an attempt to make the most effective of it.”
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS through Getty Photographs
Sahakyan’s spouse, Arpineh Masihi, immigrated to the U.S. when she was 3 years previous as a refugee, however had her inexperienced card revoked about 15 years in the past when she was convicted of a theft-related crime.
Masihi’s husband instructed the outlet they’ve been making an attempt to regain her authorized standing, however she was detained June 30, per week after the U.S. bombed three nuclear websites in Iran. Residence surveillance footage reviewed by KTTV reportedly confirmed brokers exterior to take Masihi away.
“She got here and kissed the children and that was it,” Sahakyan stated. “That was the final time we noticed her.”
Masihi’s detainment comes at a time when the Trump administration has intensified fears over Iranian “sleeper cells.” The Division of Homeland Safety issued a threat bulletin final month stating that “the continuing Israel-Iran battle might contribute to US-based people plotting further assaults.”
U.S. Customs and Border Safety had additionally spurred further fears over Iranian sleeper cells, alleging that hundreds of Iranian nationals have entered the nation illegally.
“Although now we have not obtained any particular credible threats to share with you all, the specter of sleeper cells or sympathizers appearing on their very own, or on the behest of Iran has by no means been larger,” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott wrote in a memo.
In latest weeks, Iranian nationals who’ve lived within the U.S. for many years, and whose family members say will not be threats to nationwide safety, have been taken by ICE, the Associated Press reported.
Lawyer Basic Pam Bond claimed that Iranian sleeper cells had “invaded” the nation.
“Now we have, to date, arrested 1,500 illegal Iranians in our nation,” she instructed Congress.
Sahakyan instructed KTTV that “due to the sleeper cells” he’s “very for” the U.S. vetting Iranian nationals.
“I believe it would resolve a number of points as a result of we’ll know precisely who’s in right here for what causes, regardless that I miss [my wife] dearly,” Sahakyan stated. “I believe we might have a sooner course of [where they determine] she’s not a radical, or tied to the crazies, let her out.”
Sahakyan’s spouse was reportedly very emotional throughout her cellphone name with KTTV as she stays not sure what is going to occur to her immigration standing.
Sahakyan stated he and his household proceed to proudly assist Trump, regardless of what his spouse goes by way of, as a result of he believes the president is making an attempt to make the nation extra protected.
“I’m nonetheless supporting [Trump],” Sahakyan stated. “Regardless that my pals say take the flag down, you’re going by way of quite a bit. I’m like, no. The flag stands.”