Minnesota Authorities Investigate ICE Arrest of US Citizen as Possible Kidnapping
Ramsey County authorities in Minnesota are investigating the January 18 arrest of ChongLy “Scott” Thao, a 56-year-old Hmong-American citizen, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as a potential case of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment. Prosecutor John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher announced that agents forcibly entered Thao’s St. Paul home without a warrant, beating down the door at gunpoint. Thao was removed from his residence in only underwear and a blanket during freezing conditions and detained for several hours before being released after agents realized he was a U.S. citizen with no criminal record. Although DHS claimed agents were searching for two sex offenders, Thao denied knowing them, and state records indicated one suspect was still incarcerated. Local officials have requested cooperation and evidence from the Department of Homeland Security, which has so far refused to assist in this and other related investigations. The incident, captured on video showing neighbors protesting the armed raid, has sparked significant local outrage and legal scrutiny regarding federal overreach and the rights of American citizens.
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Minnesota Authorities Investigate ICE Arrest of US Citizen as Possible Kidnapping
Ramsey County authorities in Minnesota are investigating the January 18 arrest of ChongLy “Scott” Thao, a 56-year-old Hmong-American citizen, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as a potential case of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment. Prosecutor John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher announced that agents forcibly entered Thao’s St. Paul home without a warrant, beating down the door at gunpoint. Thao was removed from his residence in only underwear and a blanket during freezing conditions and detained for several hours before being released after agents realized he was a U.S. citizen with no criminal record. Although DHS claimed agents were searching for two sex offenders, Thao denied knowing them, and state records indicated one suspect was still incarcerated. Local officials have requested cooperation and evidence from the Department of Homeland Security, which has so far refused to assist in this and other related investigations. The incident, captured on video showing neighbors protesting the armed raid, has sparked significant local outrage and legal scrutiny regarding federal overreach and the rights of American citizens.
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