Overview
- Federal agents broke down the door of a St. Paul home and led away ChongLy Scott Thao wearing only shorts, Crocs and a baby’s blanket in bitter cold, with bystanders capturing video of the encounter.
- FOX 9 reports Thao, a U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE after agents believed he matched the description of two wanted offenders, then later released without answers to specific questions about the operation.
- The Department of Homeland Security stated the offenders lived with Thao, while his family says they have occupied the home for two years and believe agents were pursuing a previous resident.
- St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her met with the family and criticized the federal account as irresponsible, voicing concern about the impact on the Hmong-American community.
- The family launched a GoFundMe to repair the broken door as ICE declined to provide further details about why Thao was targeted or what verification steps agents took.