Federal immigration agents detained ChongLy “Scott” Thao, a 56-year-old U.S. citizen, at his St. Paul, Minnesota, home on a Sunday afternoon. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the operation was a targeted effort to apprehend two convicted sex offenders. Mr. Thao and his family have disputed the agents' entry methods and the DHS's justification for his detention, while Minnesota state officials reported that one of the individuals sought by DHS was already in state custody.
Incident Details
On a Sunday afternoon, federal immigration agents entered the St. Paul, Minnesota, residence of ChongLy “Scott” Thao. Mr. Thao reported that agents, some masked, broke down his door, did not present a warrant, and pointed firearms at his family members, including his daughter-in-law, with his grandson present. He stated he was prevented from retrieving identification. Mr. Thao was subsequently detained, handcuffed, and led outside while dressed in underwear and sandals, with a blanket, in cold temperatures. A witness, Mark Goldberg, observed Mr. Thao being removed from his house in his underwear.
Mr. Thao stated agents transported him to an unspecified location for photography. After approximately one to two hours, agents identified him as a U.S. citizen without a criminal record and returned him home. Mr. Thao indicated that no explanation or apology was provided by the agents for his detention or for property damage.
Official Statements and Disputed Claims
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described the operation as "targeted" for two convicted sex offenders. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that Mr. Thao, a U.S. citizen, resided with these individuals at the operation site. McLaughlin added that Mr. Thao declined to be fingerprinted or facially identified and matched a description of the targets. DHS also stated that holding all individuals in a house during such an operation is standard protocol for public and law enforcement safety.
Mr. Thao's family disputes the DHS account, stating it is inaccurate. They assert that only Mr. Thao, his son (Chris Thao), daughter-in-law, and grandson reside at the home, and none are listed on the Minnesota sex offender registry. Chris Thao reported being stopped by ICE agents prior to his father's detention.
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her expressed criticism regarding the actions of immigration authorities, stating they are targeting a broad range of individuals. The Mayor disputed the DHS claim that Mr. Thao lived with the two men, referring to the claim as a "lie" and stating that agents apprehended the incorrect person. On Tuesday, DHS officials maintained they were still searching for the alleged criminals and reiterated that Mr. Thao lived with the two men.
Inter-Agency Communication
DHS requested Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to surrender a convicted sex offender. The agency communicated via X, emphasizing the need for state and local law enforcement cooperation and information to reduce federal presence on streets.
Paul Schnell, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections, informed CNN that one of the sex offenders sought by DHS was already in state custody, stating, "He is, in fact, in prison and subject to a detainer." Schnell added that DHS had been notified of this individual's custody. A DHS spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, had accused Thao of residing with two convicted sex offenders who were targets and reportedly remained at large. Schnell's statement contradicts the implication that both targets were still at large.
Subsequent Developments
Mr. Thao intends to file a civil rights lawsuit against the DHS, citing feelings of insecurity in his home following the incident.