An immigration detention case, led by Indian-American Immigration Attorney Hardeep “Dee” Sull has drawn the attention of both the United States and Russia after a Russian-Armenian political dissident sought permission to leave the country voluntarily.

Dee Sull’s client, Vardan Gukasian, 49, has remained in U.S. immigration custody since February 2025. He is being held at the Southern Nevada Detention Center in Pahrump while his legal proceedings continue. “We’re quite surprised at multiple junctures that the government isn’t willing to allow him to go,” Dee Sull, Gukasian’s attorney, told 8 News Now. 

Gukasian entered the United States in 2022. He is a citizen of both Russia and Armenia and has described himself as an Armenian political dissident. Sull, has challenged the continued detention and has advocated for allowing Gukasian to return to Russia rather than remain in custody.

According to federal court documents, Gukasian agreed in December 2025 to self-deport to Russia. Russian diplomatic officials subsequently indicated that Russia was prepared to assist with his return. The proposed departure, however, has not resolved the case. U.S. immigration authorities have continued to pursue removal proceedings, while Gukasian’s legal team, led by Sull, has maintained that he should be permitted to leave voluntarily for Russia.

The disagreement has transformed what began as an immigration case into an issue involving two countries and competing questions about where Gukasian should ultimately go. Sull said her client’s objective is not simply to leave detention but to continue his political activities. “His goal is to have a free and independent Armenia and not be in a cage like he is today,” Sull said.

Court records show that Sull represents Gukasian in federal litigation in Nevada. A September 2025 habeas petition filed in federal court lists Sull as counsel and challenges aspects of Gukasian’s immigration detention. 

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