Laos National Convicted of Assault Arrested in Minnesota Sweep
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have arrested Lor Thor, a Laotian national convicted of assault, as part of a high-profile enforcement blitz in Minnesota. Thor was taken into custody during “Operation Metro Surge,” a federal initiative that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials state is focused on removing “criminal illegal aliens” who pose a threat to public safety.
DHS identified Thor specifically as a “criminal illegal alien from Laos” with a conviction for assault, listing him among several individuals apprehended in the Twin Cities area. The operation has reportedly targeted foreign nationals with criminal records, including those with convictions for sexual offenses, weapons possession, and terroristic threats. Federal authorities have characterized the surge as a necessary measure to remove dangerous individuals from American communities, citing a lack of cooperation from local “sanctuary” jurisdictions as a driver for the intensified federal presence.
Historical Context and Deportation Challenges
Minnesota is home to one of the largest Hmong and Laotian communities in the United States, many of whom arrived as refugees following the Vietnam War and the “Secret War” in Laos. Historically, deportations to Laos have been rare due to the absence of a repatriation agreement between the U.S. and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, which has frequently refused to accept deportees. However, recent years have seen increased diplomatic pressure from Washington to enforce removal orders, placing thousands of individuals with old criminal convictions at risk of deportation.
Many facing removal are long-time residents who entered the U.S. as children. Under current immigration law, non-citizens—including permanent residents—can lose their legal status and face deportation for a wide range of crimes, including aggravated felonies and certain assault convictions, regardless of how much time has passed since the offense or the sentence served.
Community Opposition and Legal Concerns
The arrest of Thor and others has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups and local leaders who argue that the operations lack due process and unfairly target former refugees. Organizations such as the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) and the Southeast Asian Deportation Defense Network have long opposed deportations to Laos, contending that removing individuals to a country where they may have no family or linguistic ties is inhumane.
Critics also point to the human rights record of the Laotian government, raising concerns about the safety of returnees. “We reject the continued deportations of immigrants and refugees without regard for human rights,” a representative for the Southeast Asian Deportation Defense Network stated in response to similar enforcement actions. “Those who are targeted now have served their time and should not face a lifetime sentence by being deported.”
Furthermore, local officials and observers in Minnesota have accused federal agents of using aggressive tactics during Operation Metro Surge. Reports of collateral arrests and the detention of individuals without criminal warrants have fueled ongoing protests in Minneapolis, with activists tracking ICE movements to warn immigrant communities. Opponents argue that the operation destabilizes families and erodes trust between law enforcement and immigrant populations, complicating local policing efforts.
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caalmn.org
