Thao’s family said in a statement that it “categorically disputes” the DHS account and “strongly objects to DHS’s attempt to publicly justify this conduct with false and misleading claims.”
Thao told the AP that only he, his son and daughter-in-law and his grandson live at the rental home. Neither they nor the property’s owner are listed in the Minnesota sex offender registry. The nearest sex offender listed as living in the zip code is more than two blocks away.
DHS later released the names and photos of two people it described as “violent illegal alien sexual offenders” that it was seeking to detain in St. Paul. Thao said he had never seen these men before and they did not live with him.
Federal immigration agents have detained a U.S. citizen in Minnesota at gunpoint without a warrant. That's according to ChongLy “Scott” Thao, who says agents forced open his door, entered with guns drawn and led him outside in his underwear in freezing conditions.
apnews.com
Per Grok's analysis:
The best defense for ICE's actions in the January 18, 2026, detention of ChongLy "Scott" Thao centers on the operational context, standard law enforcement protocols, and the pursuit of public safety amid a targeted enforcement effort. While the incident has drawn criticism for its aggressiveness and impact on a U.S. citizen, DHS and ICE have maintained that their conduct was justified based on intelligence, risk assessment, and procedural norms. Below, I'll outline the strongest factual arguments in their favor, drawing from official statements and consistent reporting, without endorsing or dismissing counterclaims from Thao's family (e.g., denials of any connection to the targets or disputes over cooperation).
- Targeted Operation Against Serious Criminals
ICE agents were executing a focused raid to apprehend two specific individuals with active deportation orders: Kongmeng Vang and Lue Moua, both convicted sex offenders. Vang's convictions include sexual assault, gang activity, and assault, while Moua's include rape, kidnapping, and domestic violence—crimes that pose significant public safety risks. Defenders argue this aligns with ICE's mandate under the Trump administration to prioritize deportations of criminals, emphasizing that failing to act on such threats could endanger communities. The operation was not random but based on intelligence linking the targets to Thao's address (possibly as former residents or associates), justifying the location choice.
- Physical Resemblance and Initial Non-Cooperation
Thao reportedly matched the physical description of one or both targets, prompting agents to detain him for verification. DHS stated that Thao refused fingerprinting or facial identification at the scene, necessitating temporary custody to confirm his status safely. In high-stakes raids involving potentially dangerous fugitives, such protocols prevent misidentification risks or escapes. Supporters note that quick resolution (release after about an hour, once citizenship was verified via fingerprinting) demonstrates efficiency, not malice.
- Standard Safety Protocols in Law Enforcement Operations
DHS emphasized that detaining all individuals in a targeted residence is "standard protocol" for any law enforcement agency during such operations, to ensure the safety of officers, residents, and the public. This includes drawn weapons and forced entry if exigent circumstances exist (e.g., pursuing violent offenders who might be armed or fleeing). The raid occurred in the context of a broader surge in Minnesota enforcement (up to 3,000 agents deployed), where similar tactics have been used to address deportation backlogs. Critics' focus on the lack of an initial warrant presentation overlooks that administrative warrants (common in immigration enforcement) may not require judicial approval for entry in certain scenarios, and agents reportedly had one, though not immediately shown.
- No Lasting Harm and Prompt Release
Thao was not charged, injured, or held beyond verification, and was returned home without incident. DHS has not confirmed an apology, but the swift correction supports the argument that this was an unfortunate but defensible error in a fluid, high-risk situation—comparable to mistaken-identity incidents in other policing contexts. The targets remain at large, underscoring the urgency of the operation.
In summary, ICE's strongest defense portrays the incident as a necessary, protocol-driven response to credible threats from dangerous individuals, with Thao's detention as a brief precautionary measure due to resemblance and non-cooperation. This view prioritizes enforcement efficacy and officer safety over the acknowledged disruption to an innocent citizen. However, unresolved disputes (e.g., the exact address link or warrant details) could weaken this if proven inaccurate in potential litigation, as Thao's family has indicated plans for a civil rights lawsuit. |
The point here is that ICE's actions are justifiable, even if they made a mistake. Framing their actions as though they're tyranny isn't helping anyone.
"So what" that Noem lies? Then none of what she says can be taken at face value.
Riiiiiiiight...
So when you lie, we shouldn't take what you say at face value? Asking for a friend...
So you're the arbiter of assimilation excellence now?
All I'm asking for is the bare minimum.
They can't even do that much.
Learn English. Adhere to American values. Call America their home and strive to increase the value of the nation they came to.
Instead, they refuse to learn English, they communicate in their native tongue. (eg the trucking industry)
They import their own nations values and let them take precedent over ours. (eg sharia law)
They call the nation they came from home, and send most of what they earn to their families who remain there. (eg Ilhan Omar, Somali daycare fraud)
They're nothing but leeches.
If they want to enrich a nation, let them enrich their own.
I give them the time you give mine, JR.
False.
You want me to condemn a bill in VA
Yes. Because of what it's about.
when we're talking about ICE in Minnesota?
Let's not lose track of what was said now, Anna.
You said that the Republicans have control of the Federal government.
I pointed out that they're powerless because of the stranglehold the left has on the country.
I then gave an example of this, that being Virginia.
Still with me?
Right here, right now, even? Why are you jumping boats midstream and demanding I jump with you? Diversion?
I'm not finished with this subject.
See, you can't even condemn the bills that effectively legitimize capital crimes by removing the punishments for them.
You're evil. Your opinions are irrelevant,
You can't even condemn the evil bills when they've been shoved in your face, why, because "I, Anna, don't like X! Waahhhh!"
