Archive · 21 Jan 2026
US Citizen Mistakenly Detained in ICE Raid
ChongLy 'Scott' Thao, a 56-year-old man who has lived in the US since he was a child, was recently mistakenly detained by ICE officers during a raid.
It was very cold outside, and he was only wearing boxers and Crocs.
He was handcuffed and taken outside, which made him feel very scared and humiliated.
The officers were looking for two men who were supposed to be deported, but Thao was not one of them.
He was later let go, but the experience was very traumatic for him and his family.
Many people are upset about how the officers acted during the raid.
The incident has sparked criticism and protests, with local leaders condemning the targeting of innocent residents.
ChongLy 'Scott' Thao, a 56-year-old naturalized US citizen, was mistakenly detained by ICE officers during a raid in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Thao was only wearing boxers and Crocs in freezing temperatures, causing him to feel humiliated and terrified.
The raid was part of an investigation targeting two convicted sex offenders subject to deportation orders.
Thao was detained but later released after being fingerprinted and photographed.
The incident has sparked criticism and protests, with local leaders condemning the targeting of innocent residents.
- Who
- ChongLy 'Scott' Thao, a 56-year-old naturalized US citizen and Hmong man born in Laos
- What
- An ICE raid where Thao was mistakenly detained after agents broke into his home without a warrant and led him outside in freezing temperatures in just his underwear
- When
- A Sunday evening in Saint Paul, Minnesota, January 18, 2026
- Where
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Why
- The raid was part of an investigation targeting two convicted sex offenders subject to deportation orders
- Name
- ChongLy 'Scott' Thao
- Age
- 56
- Residence
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Citizenship
- Naturalized US citizen
- Date of Citizenship
- 1991
- Temperature During Raid
- 14 degrees Fahrenheit
- Reason for Raid
- Search for two convicted sex offenders
- Outcome
- Thao was detained but later released