Ramsey County officials in Minnesota are currently probing the arrest of a Hmong American man by federal officers, captured on video, for potential charges of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment. County attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher disclosed during a press briefing that they are seeking information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the apprehension of ChongLy (Scott) Thao, 56, on January 18 in St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota.
According to Choi and Fletcher, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents forcibly entered Thao’s residence in St. Paul without a warrant, brandishing firearms, and escorted him outside in subzero temperatures wearing only underwear and a blanket. Sheriff Fletcher emphasized that despite uncertainties, it is undisputed that Thao is a U.S. citizen and was forcefully removed from his home and driven around without clear justification.
DHS, which oversees ICE, has not cooperated with Ramsey County or other state and local inquiries into previous incidents involving federal officers during the immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, including the deaths of two American citizens in Minneapolis. ICE and DHS representatives have not responded to requests for comments on the county’s investigation.
Choi mentioned that they are exploring potential violations under state or federal laws to determine if any criminal offenses occurred. Additionally, St. Paul police are conducting a separate investigation related to the immigration crackdown. Thao, who has no criminal record and is a longstanding U.S. citizen, was eventually released back to his home by the agents after a few hours.
The county attorney’s trial division director, Hao Nguyen, stated that they have formally requested evidence from DHS, ICE, and federal prosecutors to ascertain the events surrounding Thao’s arrest. They have set a deadline of April 30 for the agencies to comply, after which legal action may be pursued. Meanwhile, Minnesota and Hennepin County officials have taken legal action against the Trump administration to access evidence for independent investigations into federal officers’ actions in Minneapolis.
Authorities encourage anyone with information on Thao’s case or potential violations to step forward. Despite claims of federal immunity, Sheriff Fletcher affirmed that federal agents are not exempt from accountability when seizing U.S. citizens from their homes.