Man described as political refugee arrested by ICE in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Brokers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a person in Las Vegas described as a political refugee.

Vardan Gukasian, 47, reported and blogged from his Las Vegas house up till two weeks in the past. 

He’s now in an ICE facility in Henderson, ready to see a choose, and his supporters say his case is a matter of life or loss of life. 

“If Mr. Gukasian ends up being in Armenia, his chance of survival decreases to zero,” Vardan Hakobyan, considered one of his supporters, advised 8 Information Now. 

Supporters describe Vardan Gukasian as a free speech advocate. He has tens of 1000’s of followers on social media, however since his arrest, his voice has gone silent.

In keeping with supporters, the 47-year-old was inside his house along with his mother, when ICE brokers confirmed up and took him to the Henderson Detention Middle. 

In a press release, an ICE spokesperson mentioned, “Gukasian was arrested by ICE officers on Feb. 20 and placed into custody for his immigration proceedings. He entered the United States on Feb. 19, 2022, and failed to depart under the terms of his admission.”

An Armenian newspaper mentioned in 2023 a world warrant was issued for his arrest and the Armenian authorities requested the US to extradite him.

Gukasian was reportedly charged with extortion, requires violence, and contempt of court docket. However his supporters mentioned he is being charged for criticizing the Armenian authorities.

“Absolutely, no doubt,” Vardan Hakobyan mentioned.

Gukasian noticed a federal choose on Monday, Mar. 3, the place folks held up indicators exterior the downtown Las Vegas federal courthouse. In addition they attended his listening to.

Supporters mentioned this case is about freedom of speech.

“A decision will be made by the judge. If it’s against Vardan Gukasian, it’s against Armenian people who wish to live in an independent country,” Hakobyan mentioned. 

Gukasian is scheduled to see a federal choose once more Monday, Mar. 10, and his supporters plan to attend. 

ICE stories all undocumented immigrants to obtain authorized due course of after they’re being deported, and officers perform removing choices authorized by a choose.