ST. PAUL, Minn. – In a troubling incident indicative of rising tensions over immigration enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents forcibly entered the home of ChongLy 'Scott' Thao without a warrant, detaining him at gunpoint while he was in his underwear in freezing temperatures.
Thao, a long-time U.S. citizen, recounted the traumatic experience when his daughter-in-law informed him of agents banging on their door. Ignoring his directive to remain inside, masked agents burst into the residence, pointing weapons at the family and evoking immediate fear. I was shaking, Thao expressed as he described the ordeal.
The incident, which occurred amid a notable uptick in ICE activity in the Twin Cities, has prompted widespread criticism from residents and local officials who argue that the actions of immigration authorities are increasingly aggressive and indiscriminate. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her condemned the agency's conduct, stating, They’re not going after hardened criminals. They’re going after anyone and everyone in their path.
Footage captured during the arrest shows Thao being led out in handcuffs, only covered by a blanket and sandals, while his four-year-old grandson watched in distress. Despite his pleas for his identification to prove his citizenship, agents initially refused to allow him to retrieve it. After being taken away and photographed outside in the cold, Thao's identity was confirmed. Hours later, he was returned home, but not before enduring significant distress and humiliation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the operation, claiming it was targeting individuals with serious criminal records. They alleged Thao lived with two convicted sex offenders; however, Thao's family refutes these claims, emphasizing that no such individuals reside with them, and none are listed in their immediate vicinity.
Incidents like Thao's bring to light the painful legacy of families fleeing conflict. Thao's own family escaped Laos after supporting American military operations, making the treatment he received particularly painful. Thao has announced plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against the DHS, expressing his fear and loss of safety in his own home after the distressing encounter.
Thao, a long-time U.S. citizen, recounted the traumatic experience when his daughter-in-law informed him of agents banging on their door. Ignoring his directive to remain inside, masked agents burst into the residence, pointing weapons at the family and evoking immediate fear. I was shaking, Thao expressed as he described the ordeal.
The incident, which occurred amid a notable uptick in ICE activity in the Twin Cities, has prompted widespread criticism from residents and local officials who argue that the actions of immigration authorities are increasingly aggressive and indiscriminate. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her condemned the agency's conduct, stating, They’re not going after hardened criminals. They’re going after anyone and everyone in their path.
Footage captured during the arrest shows Thao being led out in handcuffs, only covered by a blanket and sandals, while his four-year-old grandson watched in distress. Despite his pleas for his identification to prove his citizenship, agents initially refused to allow him to retrieve it. After being taken away and photographed outside in the cold, Thao's identity was confirmed. Hours later, he was returned home, but not before enduring significant distress and humiliation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the operation, claiming it was targeting individuals with serious criminal records. They alleged Thao lived with two convicted sex offenders; however, Thao's family refutes these claims, emphasizing that no such individuals reside with them, and none are listed in their immediate vicinity.
Incidents like Thao's bring to light the painful legacy of families fleeing conflict. Thao's own family escaped Laos after supporting American military operations, making the treatment he received particularly painful. Thao has announced plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against the DHS, expressing his fear and loss of safety in his own home after the distressing encounter.
