St. Paul Resident Alleges Warrantless ICE Home Entry
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota man says heavily armed federal immigration officers forced open the front door of his home without presenting a warrant and detained him at gunpoint, according to family accounts and video footage. The 56-year-old U.S. citizen says he was led out into subzero temperatures wearing only underwear and sandals, drawing strong criticism from community leaders.
Alleged Incident in Freezing Weather Sparks Outcry
ChongLy “Scott” Thao told reporters the confrontation began when immigration agents knocked loudly at his St. Paul residence midday Sunday, prompting his daughter-in-law to wake him from a nap. While advising relatives not to open the door, Thao said masked officers burst in with guns drawn, shouting commands.
Thao said the agents did not show a warrant before forcing their way inside. He was handcuffed and brought outside in cold conditions, his young grandson watching and crying. Footage circulating on social media shows the aftermath and neighbors expressing alarm at the scene.
Conflicting Accounts From Homeland Security, Family Rejects Claims
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security later described the encounter as part of a “targeted operation” to locate two convicted sex offenders. DHS officials claimed Thao matched a suspect description and initially refused identification, though his family strongly disputes that account.
After detaining Thao at a nearby location and photographing him, officials reportedly realized he was not the target and returned him to his home hours later — without apology or explanation, the family says.
Community Leaders Condemn Tactics Amid Broader Enforcement Campaign
Local officials and residents have criticized the aggressive tactics as part of an intensified federal immigration enforcement push in the Twin Cities region. St. Paul’s mayor called the incident “unacceptable and un-American,” saying the operation targeted broader segments of the community rather than specific criminal suspects.
Thao’s relatives said the experience was deeply traumatic and said he plans to pursue a civil rights lawsuit. The episode has intensified debate over immigration enforcement practices and constitutional protections against warrantless home entries.
