County Investigates ICE Arrest of Citizen in His Underwear
AP Photo/Jack Brook
A Minnesota county is reviewing a controversial federal arrest caught on video, with local officials now examining whether the incident could amount to kidnapping, burglary, or false imprisonment.
At a Monday press briefing, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher said they are actively seeking information from the Department of Homeland Security as part of their inquiry into the January arrest of ChongLy “Scott” Thao. Ramsey County includes St. Paul, the state capital.
According to officials, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents forced entry into Thao’s home in St. Paul by breaking down the front door while armed and did not present a warrant. Thao was then taken outside in subzero temperatures wearing only underwear and wrapped in a blanket.
Sheriff Fletcher said there is no question about Thao’s citizenship status. He stated that Thao was removed from his home and transported around by officers while they attempted to determine information about him, questioning whether such actions were appropriate law enforcement conduct toward a U.S. citizen.
County Attorney Choi said investigators are trying to determine whether any state or federal laws may have been violated. He emphasized that the inquiry is focused on facts rather than predetermined conclusions.
Thao was later returned home after several hours, after officers determined he was a long-time U.S. citizen with no criminal record, according to his account. Homeland Security has said ICE agents were originally searching for two individuals who had been convicted of sex offenses. Thao has said he had never encountered those individuals and that they did not live at his residence.
Video footage of the incident shows a tense scene outside the home, with neighbors shouting at more than a dozen armed federal agents and using whistles and horns as the situation unfolded.
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