A mother immigrant, detained in an undocumented center in California, remains steadfast in her support for Donald Trump, the very president who advocates the policy that now threatens to separate her from her family.
Arpineh Masihi, of Iranian-Armenian descent and mother of four American citizen children, was arrested by ICE agents in her own home, despite having lived in the United States since she was three years old.
"She is doing the right thing. Many of these people do not deserve to be here," she said from the Adelanto detention center, where she is being held. "I will support him until the day I die."
The brutal paradox of a Trump-supporting immigrant woman
Masihi, who was convicted over a decade ago for theft, rebuilt her life after leaving prison. She founded a business, became a school volunteer, and started a family in Los Angeles. However, her past caught up with her in 2025. She was arrested as part of the massive raids prompted by the Trump administration for not having her paperwork in order.
While her husband and children, all U.S. citizens, wait at home, the Trump flag continues to fly in their yard. “I don’t blame Trump, I blame Biden,” says her husband, Arthur Sahakyan, who is also convinced that the president's immigration policies are well directed.
Arpineh assures that she loves the United States and feels as American as anyone else, even though she does not have papers. She believes that her recent history and her role as a mother could work in her favor to avoid being deported to her home country, where she could face consequences for being Christian.
"I have four children who are citizens. I haven't done anything wrong in many years," he said. Meanwhile, his case has attracted the attention of the international press because it illustrates the flaws in a migration system in the United States that does not forgive past mistakes, even when there is full integration and contributions to the community.
The story of Arpineh is not an isolated one. While thousands of immigrants in the U.S. fear deportation, even those who support strict measures like Trump's are not immune to its consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Immigration Situation and Support for Trump
Why does Arpineh Masihi support Donald Trump despite his detention by ICE?
Arpineh Masihi supports Donald Trump because she believes his policies are correct, despite the fact that these immigration policies have resulted in her own detention. She thinks that many people do not deserve to be in the United States and continues to back the president even after being arrested for not having her documents in order.
How did Trump's immigration policies affect immigrant families in the United States?
The immigration policies of Trump have led to the separation of families, including those attempting to regularize their status. Cases like that of Arpineh Masihi and other families illustrate the strict enforcement of immigration laws, which do not take into account community integration or the length of time they have been living in the United States. The lack of discretion has particularly affected immigrant families and those seeking asylum.
What is the paradox in immigrants supporting Trump?
The paradox lies in that some immigrants support Trump despite being affected by his immigration policies, as is the case with Arpineh Masihi and others who have voted for him. They often justify their support by claiming that they believe in the need for stricter immigration policies, even though these very policies directly harm them.
What implications do criminal records have in deportation cases under the Trump administration?
Under the Trump administration, criminal records, even those from many years ago, can be used as justification for deportation. In the case of Arpineh Masihi, her conviction for theft over a decade ago was a factor in her detention, despite having rebuilt her life and contributed to her community since then.
What role do public opinion and the media play in deportation cases like that of Arpineh Masihi?
Public opinion and the media can play an important role in highlighting the injustices of deportation policies. Cases like that of Arpineh Masihi draw international attention, which can create pressure to review immigration policies and consider humanitarian and integration aspects in deportation decisions.
Filed under:
