A Mistake That Shouldn't Happen: Elderly Man Taken by ICE in His Own Home
In a confusing and upsetting event, a 56-year-old Hmong-American man named Chongly Scott Thao was taken from his St. Paul home by ICE agents. This happened on a Sunday, with neighbors shouting and honking their horns in protest.
Agents Break Down Door Without Warrant
Thao claims that the agents broke down his door without showing a warrant. They pointed guns at him and his daughter-in-law. His grandson saw everything and was left crying.
He was taken outside in the cold, wearing only a blanket and his underwear. He was driven to a remote location before the agents checked his ID. Only then did they realize their mistake and bring him back home. Thao said that the agents did not apologize or explain anything.
Witness Describes Scene as Heartbreaking
A witness, Mark Goldberg, was shocked by what he saw. He described it as heartbreaking and infuriating. He couldn't believe that a U.S. citizen was taken from his home half-dressed.
The family says this was a case of mistaken identity. They claim that ICE agents did not show a warrant before breaking down the door and handcuffing Thao.
ICE Claims Thao Refused Identification
According to ICE, they were looking for two convicted sex offenders who they believed lived with Thao. They said that Thao refused to be fingerprinted or identified. He matched the description of the targets, so they took him into custody.
However, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, a family friend, said that this was not true. She stated that the alleged criminals did not live with Thao.
DHS Officials Still Searching for Targets
On Tuesday, DHS officials said they were still looking for the criminals they initially targeted. Mayor Her was upset about the situation. She said that instead of admitting their mistake, ICE tried to justify their actions by making false claims.
This incident raises questions about the protocols and training of ICE agents. It also highlights the fear and confusion that can arise from such operations.
