‘They’re going to kill him’: Armenian man, 6 months in ICE custody, asks US lawmakers for help
by: Joshua Peguero
CBS 8 News
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An Armenian man who has been in federal custody for almost six months is seeking help from U.S. lawmakers for his release.
Vardan Gukasian, 47, is being held in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Henderson, and with each passing day, his supporters believe he will be deported.
“We’re asking the judge to help and to grant political asylum. In his situation, he really needs that help,” Gayane Manukyan said. “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 several immigration hearings, and Manukyan and others in the Armenian diaspora have attended several of them.
Manukyan travels from Los Angeles to visit him in Henderson. She prays for his release.
“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 said.
According to an ICE spokesperson, Gukasian was arrested by ICE officers on Feb. 20 and placed into custody for his immigration proceedings. The agency said he entered the U.S. on Feb. 19, 2022, and failed to depart under the terms of his admission.
Gukasian’s supporters said he entered the country in 2022, claiming political asylum.
An Armenian newspaper stated in 2023 that an international warrant was issued for his arrest after he was charged with extortion, calls for violence, and contempt of court. The Armenian government asked the U.S. to extradite him.
“All accusations presented against by the government, Republic of Armenia, are entirely fabricated. Politically motivated,” Manukyan said.
Gukasian is scheduled to see an immigration judge on Aug. 29, but his supporters believe this will be the final hearing where a judge decides on deporting him.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Susie Lee’s office is aware of the Armenian dissident’s case and that he has requested her help.
