Archive · 20 Jan 2026
ICE detains US citizen without warrant
ICE agents in Minnesota broke into a man's home without a warrant, pointed guns at his family, and took him outside in his underwear in the cold.
The man, ChongLy 'Scott' Thao, is a US citizen with no criminal record.
ICE said they were looking for two sex offenders, but Thao's family says that's not true.
The family is upset because they supported the US in the past and feel this treatment is unfair.
Thao wants to sue the government because he doesn't feel safe in his own home anymore.
ICE agents detained US citizen ChongLy 'Scott' Thao without a warrant in his Minnesota home.
Agents forced entry, pointed guns at the family, and took Thao outside in his underwear in subfreezing conditions.
Thao, a US citizen with no criminal record, was later released after agents realized their mistake.
DHS claimed the operation targeted two convicted sex offenders living with Thao, but his family disputes this.
Thao's family plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against DHS, citing historical support for US operations in Laos.
- Who
- ChongLy 'Scott' Thao, a US citizen, and ICE agents
- What
- ICE agents detained Thao without a warrant, leading to a confrontation and backlash
- When
- The incident occurred on an unspecified Sunday afternoon
- Where
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Why
- ICE claimed they were targeting two convicted sex offenders, but Thao's family disputes this
- Location
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Key Figures
- ChongLy 'Scott' Thao, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, DHS
- Incident
- ICE operation to arrest alleged sex offenders
- Victim's Status
- US citizen with no criminal record
- Agents' Actions
- Forced entry, detained Thao in underwear, no warrant presented
- DHS Claim
- Operation targeted two convicted sex offenders
- Family's Response
- Categorically disputes DHS account, plans civil rights lawsuit
- Historical Context
- Family fled Laos due to support for US covert operations
