ST. PAUL, Minn. — Federal immigration agents forced open a door and detained a U.S. citizen in his Minnesota home at gunpoint without a warrant, leading to serious backlash from the community and local leaders regarding such enforcement tactics.
ChongLy “Scott” Thao recounted how his daughter-in-law awakened him from a nap, informing him that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were aggressively pounding at their door. When they refused to open, masked agents broke in, weapons drawn, shocking Thao and his family.
I was trembling, Thao shared. They didn’t show any warrant; they just stormed in. In a harrowing scene, Thao was led out in handcuffs by agents, in freezing temperatures, only dressed in underwear and sandals while being escorted onto the street.
The incident, part of a noticeable increase in federal operations within the Twin Cities, has ignited significant criticism, especially after the reported aggressive approach towards those living in the area. Thao's arrest has intensified perspectives that ICE's actions are indiscriminate and not aimed solely at apprehending serious offenders.
“What happened here is unacceptable and un-American,” stated St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. “They are not going after hardened criminals. They are going after innocent people.”
Community's Reaction and Ongoing Legal Actions
Video footage of the incident captured the chaos, with neighbors shouting words of support for Thao's family as agents continued their operation. His grandson, merely four years old, was visibly upset, crying while watching the distressing events unfold.
After being briefly detained, Thao was returned to his home only after the agents investigated his ID, realizing he was a U.S. citizen with no criminal record. An hour had passed during which he was concerned for his safety, fearing further physical mistreatment.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security justified their operation, citing a targeted effort towards two convicted sex offenders they claimed resided with Thao. However, the family strongly disputes this narrative, stating that no such individuals lived at their address.
Thao's son, Chris, further asserts that agents harassed him the day before while he drove to work, mistaking his car for one used by someone with a criminal history, highlighting the ambiguity in ICE's profiling methods.
History of Struggles
The Thao family expressed profound distress not only over this incident but also given their historical ties to the U.S. government. Thao's mother fled Laos in the 1970s after aiding U.S. covert operations, and their history as allies has made this treatment from federal agents feel particularly painful.
Thao has announced his intention to file a civil rights lawsuit against DHS, reflecting on how this experience has shattered his sense of security: I no longer feel safe in my own home. What did I do wrong? I didn't do anything.
