Studio City balloon shop owner distraught after wife detained by ICE

STUDIO CITY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A Southern California husband is frantic after his wife, a legal green card holder who was working toward becoming a U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE.

On a normal day, Hooshaag Aghdassi would be working alongside his wife in their balloon shop in Studio City. But he hasn't seen her since Aug. 1.

"My life is upside down - completely upside down," he told Eyewitness News.

Sharareh Moghadam moved to the U.S. several years ago from Iran. The couple got married five years ago and have been operating their business Elegant Balloons together.

Sharareh had been a legal green card holder, but decided she wanted to become an American citizen.

"She went over to immigration and passed the exam... but for (the) ceremony, they said we'll let you know."

Earlier this year, Hooshaag said his wife traveled to Iran more than once to visit family members suffering from serious health issues.

When she returned to California, she received a letter telling her to report to the immigration offices. She went inside and never left.

After being held in Los Angeles for a couple of days, she was moved to a facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Hooshaag has had limited communication with his wife. He was able to send her medications, but says she's more concerned about his health.

"She's not happy at all. Also, she's worried about me because my health is not in good condition. I have a heart problem and (am) also diabetic," he said.

The family has hired an attorney. A court date is set for Sept. 12.

"She supports me, she takes care of me and I'm going to do the same, if I can - take care of her, too."

If worse comes to worse, Hooshaag says he will permanently close the balloon shop and move to Arizona, or wherever he has to go, to be closer to his wife.