St. Paul ICE Detention Sparks Local Civil Rights Outcry
PUBLISHED Jan 19, 2026, 6:50 PM ET
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St. Paul, Minnesota — Federal immigration agents forced entry into a home Sunday and detained ChongLy “Scott” Thao, a naturalized U.S. citizen, at gunpoint, according to family and video evidence. Agents handcuffed Thao, removed him outside in subfreezing temperatures while he wore shorts and Crocs, and photographed and fingerprinted him before returning him to his residence without explanation or apology. Neighbors recorded the encounter and local officials criticized the warrantless action amid a broader surge of federal officers in the Twin Cities. Authorities have not publicly explained the detention, raising local concerns. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By Moonie | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Federal authorities increased deployments to the Twin Cities amid unrest.
- The fatal shooting of Renee Good heightened scrutiny of federal actions.
- On Sunday, ICE agents forced entry into ChongLy Thao’s St. Paul home and detained him at gunpoint.
- Bystanders and a Reuters photographer recorded Thao being led outside in minimal clothing in freezing temperatures.
- ICE fingerprinted and photographed Thao and later returned him home without a public explanation.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Shocking ICE Incident: US Citizen Forcefully Removed from Minnesota Home Without Warrant - Internewscast Journal
Internewscast Journal EconoTimesFrom Center
St. Paul ICE Detention Sparks Local Civil Rights Outcry
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