Ramsey County officials in Minnesota are conducting an investigation into the apprehension of a Hmong American man by federal officers, which was recorded on video and is being treated as a possible case of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment. County attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher disclosed during a press briefing that they are seeking cooperation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to aid in their inquiry into the detention of ChongLy (Scott) Thao, aged 56, on January 18. The incident took place in St. Paul, the capital of the state within Ramsey County.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents forcibly entered Thao’s residence in St. Paul at gunpoint, without a warrant as per the information available to Choi and Fletcher. They then escorted him outside in freezing temperatures, clad only in underwear and a blanket. Sheriff Fletcher emphasized that despite several unknown details surrounding the case, it is established that Mr. Thao is an American citizen and was taken out of his home against his will and driven around, which raises concerns about the conduct of law enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security, responsible for overseeing ICE, has not cooperated with Ramsey County’s investigation, nor with other local and state inquiries into the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during the immigration enforcement actions under the previous administration. Requests for comments from ICE and DHS regarding Ramsey County’s investigation remained unanswered.
Choi mentioned that their focus is on determining whether any criminal offenses were committed that could be prosecuted under state or federal laws. Additionally, the St. Paul police are investigating a related case linked to the immigration crackdown for potential violations, although specifics were withheld for investigative reasons.
Thao, a long-time U.S. citizen with no criminal record, was released back to his home after being detained by agents who eventually realized his citizenship status. Homeland Security later clarified that ICE officers were targeting two convicted sex offenders, a claim disputed by Thao, who stated he was unfamiliar with the individuals and they did not reside with him. Videos of the incident captured neighbors protesting against the armed agents’ actions.
The county attorney’s office has reached out to DHS, ICE, and federal prosecutors to request evidence pertinent to the case. They have set a deadline for responses by April 30, after which legal action may be considered, as confirmed by Choi.
The state of Minnesota, along with Hennepin County, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to gain access to evidence related to three shootings by federal officers in Minneapolis, including the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Officials have urged the public to provide any relevant information regarding Thao’s case or potential violations. Despite claims of federal immunity by the previous administration, Sheriff Fletcher asserted that federal agents are not immune from accountability for actions such as forcibly removing an American citizen from their home.