LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An Armenian man who has been in federal custody for nearly six months is in search of him from U.S. lawmakers for his launch.
Vardan Gukasian, 47, is being held within the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Henderson, and with every passing day, his supporters consider he will likely be deported.
“We’re asking the judge to help and to grant political asylum. In his situation, he really needs that help,” Gayane Manukyan stated. “If he’s deported to Armenia or another country, they’re going to kill him. Yes, they’re going to kill him.”
Gukasian has had a number of immigration hearings, and Manukyan and others within the Armenian diaspora have attended a number of of them.
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Manukyan travels from Los Angeles to go to him in Henderson. She prays for his launch.
“We want to ask the judge to make a fair decision and grant political asylum because he really needs to be in this country, because the only safe place for his family is the United States of America,” Manukyan stated.
In accordance with an ICE spokesperson, Gukasian was arrested by ICE officers on Feb. 20 and positioned into custody for his immigration proceedings. The company stated he entered the U.S. on Feb. 19, 2022, and did not depart underneath the phrases of his admission.
Gukasian’s supporters stated he entered the nation in 2022, claiming political asylum.
An Armenian newspaper acknowledged in 2023 that a world warrant was issued for his arrest after he was charged with extortion, requires violence, and contempt of court docket. The Armenian authorities requested the U.S. to extradite him.
“All accusations presented against by the government, Republic of Armenia, are entirely fabricated. Politically motivated,” Manukyan stated.
Gukasian is scheduled to see an immigration choose on Aug. 29, however his supporters consider this would be the remaining listening to the place a choose decides on deporting him.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Susie Lee’s workplace is conscious of the Armenian dissident’s case and that he has requested her assist.
