MFA is verifying information about a Kazakhstani citizen detained in the USA

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the arrest of Yelaman Baltagerey, whom the agency identifies as a native of Kazakhstan and a "known or suspected terrorist".

The information was published on ICE's official account on the X social network.

According to the U.S. agency, Baltagerey was detained on June 5 during an operation involving federal law enforcement agencies.

ICE reports that in the summer of 2025, an immigration judge ordered his deportation after he failed to appear for a court hearing.

"Yelaman Baltagerey was targeted for the arrest as a known or h a final removal order. He’ll stay in ICE custody while travel arrangements are made to deport him," the agency's post stated

Similar information was released by HSI Los Angeles, an official division of Homeland Security Investigations.

HSI specified that Baltagerey was detained in Commerce, California. The operation involved HSI Los Angeles, the FBI, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

A report regarding the arrest of the Kazakhstani national was also posted on ICE's official Instagram account.

The U.S. agency did not disclose the specific nature of the terrorism suspicions, the actions attributed to the detainee, or whether criminal charges have been filed in a terrorism case.

The phrase "known or suspected terrorist" is contained in the ICE report. The Kazakhstani side has not yet confirmed the circumstances outlined by the U.S. agency.

No separate detailed press release regarding the arrest could be found on the official ICE website at the time of publication. The information was disseminated via official ICE and HSI social media accounts.

Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan stated that they are aware of the situation. The ministry is currently conducting an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the incident.

"Yes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of this situation. We are currently verifying and clarifying all circumstances. Additional information will be provided as official data becomes available," the Kazakhstani Foreign Ministry reported.

The ministry has not yet confirmed the detainee's citizenship, the reasons for his arrest, his migration status, or any charges filed against him.

Context

According to ICE data, during the first nine months of 2024, U.S. immigration authorities arrested 13 citizens of Kazakhstan. Between October 2020 and September 2024, 106 Kazakhstani nationals were detained, and 63 were deported.

As of November 24, 2024, there were 369 Kazakhstani nationals on the U.S. deportation list. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously urged citizens to comply with U.S. immigration laws and warned of the consequences of illegal stay in the country.