ICE Detains U.S. Citizen at Gunpoint in Frigid Conditions, AP Reports
Federal immigration agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made headlines recently for detaining a U.S. citizen at gunpoint during a controversial operation in St. Paul, Minnesota. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the agency’s tactics and the implications for civil rights.
Incident Details
On a Sunday afternoon, ChongLy “Scott” Thao was awakened by his daughter-in-law, who informed him that ICE agents were forcefully knocking on their door. Despite his warning not to open it, masked agents broke into the home at gunpoint. Thao described the moment as terrifying, stating that the agents did not display any warrant.
- Thao was detained in his underwear and sandals.
- His grandson witnessed the event, which included family members screaming for the agents to leave.
- Thao was taken outside in frigid conditions, covered only by a blanket.
Federal Response and Backlash
ICE’s operation was described as a “targeted operation” aimed at two convicted sex offenders allegedly linked to Thao’s residence. However, Thao’s family disputes this claim, asserting that no one in their household is listed in the sex offender registry.
Local Leaders’ Reactions
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her condemned the actions of ICE, emphasizing the perceived overreach in the agency’s operations. Many local residents and leaders have voiced their criticism, citing concerns over the use of aggressive tactics in warrantless arrests.
Aftermath and Legal Actions
After several hours, the agents acknowledged Thao’s U.S. citizenship and returned him to his home without an apology. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not disclosed the identities of the alleged sex offenders or clarified the connection to Thao’s residence.
Thao, deeply affected by the incident, expressed a lack of safety in his own home. With a history of military service in his family—his mother fled Laos due to communism—he is now seeking to file a civil rights lawsuit against the DHS. “I don’t feel safe at all,” he lamented. “What did I do wrong? I didn’t do anything.”
Conclusion
This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the actions of ICE and the balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting civil rights. As communities react to these developments, the call for transparency and accountability within immigration enforcement agencies continues to grow.
