In St. Paul, Minnesota, a troubling incident has raised concerns about immigration enforcement. Federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) allegedly entered a home without a warrant, detaining a longtime U.S. citizen, ChongLy “Scott” Thao. His family reported that agents, armed and masked, broke down the door while Thao was taking a nap, frightening those inside.
Thao recounted how his daughter-in-law alerted him to the chaos outside. He instructed her not to open the door, but moments later, they forced their way in. Thao described the scene as chaotic and alarming. He stated, “I was shaking. They didn’t show any warrant; they just broke down the door.”
The incident happened amid a reported spike in ICE operations around the Twin Cities, drawing criticism from local leaders and residents. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her spoke out, saying ICE is targeting anyone, not just serious criminals. “It is unacceptable and un-American,” she said.
Videos captured the disturbing moment as Thao was led outside in freezing temperatures while wearing only underwear and sandals. His grandson watched, visibly upset. Thao noted that agents did not let him retrieve his identification during the incident. After being taken to an undisclosed location, he was eventually released after they recognized he was a U.S. citizen.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) justified the operation, claiming they were targeting two convicted sex offenders allegedly living with Thao. However, his family disputes this claim, noting that they live alone in the home, and there are no sex offenders listed nearby. This raises questions about the accuracy of DHS’s statement and the methods being employed.
Adding to the complexity, Thao’s family has a history tied to U.S. military operations. Thao’s mother fled Laos after supporting American efforts during the Vietnam War era. She was a nurse for Hmong soldiers during the CIA-backed “Secret War.” This history adds a layer of emotional weight to their experience with the government today.
Thao has expressed plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against DHS. “I don’t feel safe at all,” he said. “What did I do wrong? I didn’t do anything.”
This incident reflects a larger pattern of aggressive immigration enforcement that has sparked nationwide debates about rights and safety. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center shows that concerns over immigration policies continue to grow among many Americans, with 60% believing they are too strict.
Engagement on social media has amplified the conversation, with many using platforms to share their opinions on ICE’s methods. Hashtags like #NotInMyBackyard and #DefundICE are trending, as citizens express their outrage and solidarity with families like Thao’s.
The situation highlights a critical discourse in American society about the balance between law enforcement and civil rights. As communities grapple with these issues, stories like ChongLy Thao’s serve as an important reminder of the human experiences behind policy debates.
