ICE Mistakenly Detains Elderly Hmong-American Man at St. Paul Home
On a recent Sunday, an elderly Hmong-American man was mistakenly detained by federal agents at his home in St. Paul, Minnesota. The incident sparked immediate outrage among witnesses who described the event as distressing and unsettling.
Incident Overview
The man, identified as Chongly Scott Thao, was forcibly removed from his home by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Witness Mark Goldberg observed the event, stating, “It is heartbreaking. It is infuriating to see U.S. citizens… ripped out of his house without a shirt on.”
Details of the Operation
- Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
- Date: Recent Sunday
- Involved Agency: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Individual Detained: Chongly Scott Thao
The ICE operation was reportedly aimed at two convicted sex offenders sharing the residence with Thao. This targeted enforcement led to confusion as Thao’s family claimed it was a case of mistaken identity. During the operation, witnesses reported that ICE agents broke down the door, entered with weapons drawn, and handcuffed Thao without presenting a warrant.
Reactions to the Detention
Goldberg conveyed the rapid nature of the operation, mentioning that it occurred in less than five minutes and resembled military precision. This execution raised concerns about the treatment of U.S. citizens in these types of operations. Thao’s family expressed their distress and disbelief over the situation.
Official Statement from DHS
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), addressed the incident. She confirmed that ICE was executing an operation linked to two sexual offenders living with Thao:
- Thao matched the description of one of the targets.
- DHS stated the individual refused fingerprinting or facial identification.
- Public safety led to the protocol of detaining all individuals present during the operation.
McLaughlin further noted that the two individuals targeted in the operation have not been apprehended, and the DHS plans to release their photographs and descriptions soon to aid in their capture.
Conclusion
This incident raises important questions about the conduct of ICE and its impact on the community. Advocates are urging for a review of protocols to prevent such confounding situations from occurring in the future.
