ICE Allegedly Removes US Citizen Scott Thao from Minnesota Home Without Warrant
The recent actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have sparked outrage after agents allegedly removed a U.S. citizen from his Minnesota home without a warrant. Scott Thao, a St. Paul resident, became the center of this controversy when ICE agents forcefully entered his residence, detaining him in his underwear in extremely cold conditions.
Context of the Incident
On a Sunday afternoon, Thao’s daughter-in-law alerted him to the presence of ICE agents at their door. Thao instructed her not to open it, but agents quickly bashed through the door. They reportedly pointed weapons at the family and failed to provide a warrant during the operation.
Details of the Detention
Thao, a U.S. citizen for several decades, recounted feeling terrified during the assault. He pleaded with agents to allow his daughter-in-law to retrieve his identification, but they refused. Instead, they took him out of his home in handcuffs, wearing only sandals and underwear, with a blanket draped over him. Neighbors captured video footage of the incident while protesting against the aggressive tactics used by ICE.
Community Backlash
Thao’s arrest comes amidst increasing scrutiny of ICE’s operations in the Twin Cities. Local leaders, including St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, have criticized the agency for allegedly targeting individuals indiscriminately rather than focusing on serious criminals. Mayor Her has spoken out against such practices, stating they are “unacceptable and un-American.”
DHS Justifies the Operation
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the operation was focused on two convicted sex offenders allegedly residing with Thao. However, Thao and his family contended that no such offenders lived at their home and that they had never seen the individuals named by DHS. The nearest registered sex offender lived more than two blocks away.
DHS clarified they believed Thao matched the description of their targets, even though no evidence supported this claim. Thao’s son, Chris, reported that he was stopped by ICE earlier that day while driving a vehicle borrowed from a friend, whose name coincidentally matched that of one of the suspects.
Personal Impact on Thao’s Family
This incident deeply affects Thao’s family, particularly given their history. Thao’s mother fled Laos in the 1970s due to her involvement in supporting U.S. operations against communism. The family is considering filing a civil rights lawsuit against DHS, expressing a profound sense of insecurity following the incident.
Concluding Thoughts
ChongLy “Scott” Thao expressed his distress: “What did I do wrong? I didn’t do anything.” His case highlights the ongoing debates surrounding immigration enforcement practices and the treatment of U.S. citizens by government agencies, prompting calls for accountability and reform.
