Ramsey County, Minnesota, launched a criminal investigation into federal immigration agents who removed an American citizen from his home in subfreezing January weather, detaining him for hours despite having no legal basis for the arrest.
Federal Agents Face Kidnapping Probe
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced the investigation involves felony allegations of kidnapping, illegal detainment, and false imprisonment against federal agents who removed ChongLy Thao from his St. Paul home on January 18. Agents escorted Thao outside wearing only shorts, Crocs, and a plaid blanket in subfreezing temperatures. Officers questioned him in a vehicle for over an hour before determining he was a United States citizen with no criminal record. The incident sparked viral attention after photos circulated widely across social media platforms.
Choi stated investigators found no legitimate legal reason for agents to enter the home. County officials assert the operation lacked probable cause and found no indication agents possessed warrants for entry or arrest. When investigators attempted to identify the federal officers involved, Sheriff Bob Fletcher reported the license plates on federal vehicles had been assigned to different vehicles, blocking identification efforts. Fletcher emphasized that constitutional limits apply to federal immigration enforcement just as they apply to local law enforcement agencies.
DHS Defends Actions Amid Evidence Requests
The Department of Homeland Security rejected kidnapping allegations, calling the investigation a political stunt. A DHS spokesperson said agents faced a 1,300 percent increase in assaults while arresting dangerous criminals. The agency claimed Thao refused fingerprinting and facial identification, justifying his detention under standard safety protocols. DHS stated agents were executing a warrant for two convicted sex offenders. However, Thao told reporters he had never seen the wanted individuals, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections confirmed one suspect remained incarcerated during the operation.
Constitutional Questions Surface
Ramsey County sent a formal evidence request to the federal government demanding documents, body camera footage, and access to interview the agents involved. Choi indicated county officials may file federal lawsuits to obtain evidence if the government does not comply. The attorney pledged investigators would not abandon the case. The incident occurred during Operation Metro Surge, a monthslong immigration enforcement operation that generated protests throughout Minnesota’s Twin Cities area. Thao’s family released a statement expressing faith in the legal process to seek justice for what they described as unlawful detainment.