Federal Agents Detain U.S. Citizen in Minnesota Home Without Warrant

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A U.S. citizen was detained by federal immigration agents at gunpoint in his St. Paul home without a warrant, igniting local outrage and raising concerns over immigration enforcement practices. The incident occurred as agents reportedly sought two convicted sex offenders believed to be residing nearby.

Why It Matters

This incident has drawn attention to the broader issues of immigration enforcement and civil rights, as community leaders express alarm over aggressive tactics employed by federal agents. Local authorities and citizens are questioning the ethical and legal implications of such operations, especially given the high-stress nature of targeted arrests in residential areas.

Key Developments

• ChongLy “Scott” Thao was taken from his home in only his underwear amidst freezing temperatures after agents forcibly entered the residence.
• Family members reported that agents did not present a warrant and were aggressive during the arrest.
• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) characterized the operation as targeting two convicted sex offenders residing with Thao, which his family disputes.
• Thao, a lifelong U.S. citizen, stated he plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against DHS, citing feelings of insecurity in his own home.

Full Report

Incident Details

Thao was awakened from a nap when his daughter-in-law alerted him to the loud banging at the door. Despite his instructions not to open it, masked agents broke through the door and aimed guns at the family, according to Thao. He recounted feeling intense fear as the agents demanded compliance without presenting a warrant.

Community Response

As the situation unfolded, neighbors expressed their disapproval of the agents’ actions, using whistles and horns to protest. Videos of the encounter revealed Thao being led away in handcuffs, dressed only in a blanket, sandals, and underwear, while his grandson watched in tears.

DHS Justification

The DHS defended the operation, asserting that Thao was living with two convicted sex offenders, a claim his family challenges. They emphasized that only Thao and his immediate family reside at the address, with no connection to individuals on the Minnesota sex offender registry. Thao’s son reported being stopped by ICE agents earlier that day, apparently based on a connection to a borrowed vehicle, further complicating the narrative.

Threatened Civil Rights

In light of his treatment, Thao has voiced a profound sense of insecurity, questioning the legality of the agents’ conduct as they eventually acknowledged he was a U.S. citizen without a criminal record. After returning him home, agents left without any form of apology or acknowledgment for their actions.

Historical Context

Thao’s family immigrated to the U.S. after fleeing Laos in the 1970s due to fears for their safety following U.S. government operations in the region. Thao’s mother played a significant role as a nurse in U.S. military operations, which adds another layer of complexity to the family’s distress over current government actions.

Context & Previous Events

This incident occurs amid heightened scrutiny of ICE operations in the Twin Cities, where community leaders have criticized the agency for warrantless arrests and the nature of their enforcement tactics. Local officials have increasingly vocalized concerns regarding the agency’s practices and the potential violation of civil rights during enforcement actions.