After realizing he was a U.S. citizen with no criminal record, ICE returned him home—but left without an apology for the forced entry or distress caused. The incident has fueled growing anger in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where residents and local leaders have criticized ICE’s tactics, citing similar incidents, including warrantless arrests and the killing of Renee Nicole Good.
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her condemned the raid, stating, “They’re not going after hardened criminals. They’re going after anyone and everyone in their path. It is unacceptable and un-American.”
The Department of Homeland Security defended the operation, calling it a “targeted operation” aimed at two convicted sex offenders allegedly living at Thao’s residence. DHS claimed Thao matched the description of one of the targets and refused identification procedures. Thao’s family strongly disputes this account, calling it “false and misleading” and objecting to what they describe as an attempt to justify the raid publicly.
This shocking incident highlights growing concerns about ICE’s enforcement practices and the impact on families caught in the crossfire.
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