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ICE Arrests Azerbaijani National in Los Angeles; Multiple Convictions Include Animal Cruelty and Arson

04:35 PM, 12/06/2025
ICE Arrests Azerbaijani National in Los Angeles; Multiple Convictions Include Animal Cruelty and Arson

ICE arrested Rafael Vladimirovi Sarkisyan in Los Angeles on Nov. 25; he will remain in custody pending removal proceedings. Sarkisyan has prior convictions for animal cruelty, causing a structure fire (arson), and manufacturing a controlled substance. The U.S. State Department’s May 21 advisory warned of terrorism risks in Azerbaijan and flagged landmine dangers near Nagorno-Karabakh following 2023 hostilities. Officials did not disclose when or where Sarkisyan entered the U.S.

ICE Detains Azerbaijani National in Los Angeles

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Los Angeles arrested Rafael Vladimirovi Sarkisyan on Nov. 25. Officials say Sarkisyan will remain in ICE custody while he faces removal proceedings.

Criminal Convictions

According to ICE, Sarkisyan has prior convictions for cruelty to animals, causing a structure fire (arson), and manufacturing a controlled substance. Officials did not disclose when he entered the United States or where he crossed the border.

U.S. State Department Advisory on Azerbaijan

The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory on May 21 urging increased caution in Azerbaijan due to the threat of terrorism. The advisory warned that "terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and are a risk in Azerbaijan," and noted that attacks could occur with little or no warning.

"They may target: Tourist locations; transportation centers (airports); markets and shopping malls; local government buildings; hotels, clubs and restaurants; places of worship; parks; major sporting and cultural events; educational institutions; and other public areas."

The advisory also highlighted lingering safety hazards around the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, including landmines left after armed hostilities in 2023.

Regional Context

Separately, the report noted that President Donald Trump received praise in August for a U.S.-brokered peace accord that was credited with ending decades of conflict in parts of the South Caucasus.

Next Steps: Sarkisyan remains in ICE custody pending immigration removal proceedings. Further details about the case, including the timing and manner of his entry into the United States, were not provided by officials.

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ICE Arrests Azerbaijani National in Los Angeles; Multiple Convictions Include Animal Cruelty and Arson - CRBC News