Federal agents caused a scene in St. Paul, Minnesota, when they mistakenly arrested an elderly Hmong-American man during a recent operation. The incident took place on Sunday, prompting outrage from his family and witnesses alike.
Incident Overview
Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stormed the man’s home. Mark Goldberg, a local resident, described it as “heartbreaking” and “infuriating” to witness an elderly U.S. citizen, Chongly Scott Thao, being taken away without proper clothing and in distress.
Community Response
Goldberg learned about the ICE operation through community channels and arrived on the scene in a matter of minutes. He noted that the agents operated with a level of precision that resembled military tactics.
- Event: ICE mistakenly arrests Chongly Scott Thao
- Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
- Date: Sunday
Allegations of Mistaken Identity
The Thao family claims that the incident was a case of mistaken identity. They assert that ICE agents broke down their door, entered with weapons drawn, and handcuffed Thao without displaying a warrant.
ICE’s Justification
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated that the operation targeted two convicted sex offenders. She explained that Thao lives with these individuals, which led to his detention.
- Thao refused to provide identification.
- He matched the description of the suspects.
- ICE detained all individuals present for public and law enforcement safety.
Next Steps in the Investigation
As of now, the two sex offenders targeted during the operation have yet to be apprehended. McLaughlin stated that the Department of Homeland Security will soon release their photos and descriptions to assist in their capture.
This incident raises significant concerns regarding the methods used by federal agents during operations and the implications for community trust. Many residents are left questioning the protocols that allow such mistakes to occur in their neighborhoods.
