Vardan Ghukasyan detained in U.S., hearing postponed

PanARMENIAN.Net - Vardan Ghukasyan, the founder and leader of the DOK party, is currently under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, facing potential deportation. This information was confirmed by Alethea Smock, Communications Director for ICE's Northwest region, as reported by Armenpress.

According to ICE, the 47-year-old Ghukasyan entered the United States on February 19, 2022, but did not adhere to the terms of his entry, resulting in immigration proceedings. "Vardan Yurik Ghukasyan, a 47-year-old citizen of Armenia, is under ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was detained by ICE officers on February 20 and taken into custody as part of immigration procedures. Ghukasyan entered the United States on February 19, 2022, but did not depart within the timeframe specified by his entry conditions," stated Alethea Smock.

ICE's response indicates that foreign nationals accused of violating immigration regulations have certain procedural guarantees, including the right to legal counsel, the ability to contest deportation charges, and the opportunity to present relevant evidence. "Although the government does not provide attorneys, detainees can utilize the list of legal services offered by the Department of Justice and legal programs from the American Bar Association. Federal immigration judges, operating under the Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), conduct court proceedings to ensure due legal process. ICE officers, in turn, execute deportation decisions made by federal immigration judges. Detention facilities provide at least five hours per week of access to legal libraries, as well as daily meetings with attorneys according to a set schedule. Detainees can also use free video calls or make paid calls through specific platforms. In cases of immigration violations, U.S. law provides for resolution through administrative and judicial procedures, and in some instances, deportation processes," the response elaborated.

Ghukasyan's immigration hearing, initially scheduled for March 3, has been postponed by one week, аccording to RFE/RL. His attorney, Levon Baghdasaryan, did not detail the reasons for this decision.

It remains unclear whether the DOK party leader will continue to be held in the detention facility until the next court session or if alternative measures will be applied. The trial was set to take place in Las Vegas.

Ghukasyan's attorney has reaffirmed that the court session pertains to the tightening of U.S. immigration rules. Simultaneously, Levon Baghdasaryan expressed confidence that Ghukasyan has no issues in this regard.

*Previously, the DOK party issued a statement emphasizing that Vardan Ghukasyan is under supervision but, according to the party, is not detained. In Armenia, Vardan Ghukasyan faces criminal charges for fraud, extortion, threats, and public calls for violence; however, he completely denies his guilt. According to information published on the official website of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Vardan Yurik Ghukasyan, born in Armenia, is held at the Henderson Detention Center in Nevada.*