ST. PAUL, Minn. — A shocking incident involving federal immigration agents has ignited a fierce outcry in Minnesota. ChongLy Scott Thao, a U.S. citizen, was detained at gunpoint in his St. Paul home without a warrant, according to family members and video evidence reviewed by the Associated Press.
Thao recounted that he was awoken by his daughter-in-law on a Sunday afternoon, learning that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were aggressively knocking at their door. Despite his directive not to open it, masked agents forced entry, violently brandishing firearms and shouting at his family, leading to what Thao described as a terrifying experience.
I was shaking, Thao said of the chaotic encounter, emphasizing that the agents did not present a warrant as they broke down the door.
As the situation unfolded, his four-year-old grandson witnessed the ordeal, crying while Thao was led away in handcuffs, dressed only in underwear and sandals, and wrapped in a blanket for warmth.
Thao's detention comes amid heightened ICE operations in the region, prompting criticism from local officials. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her expressed her concern, stating, ICE is not doing what they say they’re doing… It is unacceptable and un-American.
In the aftermath of the incident, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the operation, claiming it was a targeted effort to apprehend two convicted sex offenders believed to be connected to Thao's household. However, Thao's family disputed this account, stating that only they live at the residence and that they have no connections to anyone listed on the sex offender registry. This has raised questions about the agency's tactics and the justification for such aggressive actions.
As Thao plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against DHS, he reflects on the implications of the incident, noting, I don’t feel safe at all. What did I do wrong? I didn’t do anything. The community continues to grapple with the fallout of this event, as it emphasizes the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement practices and civil rights in America.
