Minnesota Officials Investigate ICE Detention of U.S. Citizen in Underwear
Minnesota officials have initiated an investigation into the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who detained ChongLy 'Scott' Thao, a naturalized U.S. citizen, in his underwear. The incident, which occurred on January 18, involved Thao being forcibly removed from his home in sub-freezing temperatures, handcuffed, and questioned for about an hour before being returned home. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher are seeking more information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the incident, which they are examining as a potential case of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment. The arrest was part of 'Operation Metro Surge,' a broader immigration enforcement initiative. Thao, who was born in Laos, reported being arrested at gunpoint without explanation or apology, raising concerns about the legality of ICE's actions.