‘ICE Doesn’t Kidnap People’: DHS Responds After U.S. Citizen Taken From Home in Freezing Cold

Authorities in Ramsey County, Minnesota, said in a recent interview on Monday that a criminal investigation has been launched into the arrest of ChongLy Thao, a U.S. citizen who was seen in a viral photo being escorted by immigration agents from his residence in cold weather. He was dressed only in Crocs and shorts and had a plaid blanket over him. The incident took place on January 18.

The event, which has drawn concern among residents of the Twin Cities region, “involves a felonious allegation of kidnapping, illegal detainment, false imprisonment,” said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi during a press conference.

Speaking to CNN he said, “We believe there was no legitimate legal reason for the federal agents to enter that home, it was not supported by probable cause." A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told the publication that "ICE does not 'kidnap' people." The statement read, "This is nothing but a political stunt to demonize ICE law enforcement who are facing a 1300% increase in assaults against them as they arrest for the worst of the worst."

County attorney, Choi, informed that Thao was taken forcibly from his residence in St. Paul and exposed to subfreezing temperatures when he was dressed lightly. He stated that he was interrogated in the vehicle, away from his residence, for over an hour.

However, agents soon realized that Thao was a U.S. citizen without a criminal record, and returned him home after several hours. Thao revealed the details during his interview with The Associated Press. DHS, however, clarified that the ICE officers were looking for two convicted se-- offenders while carrying out a warrant. But Thao cleared his stance and revealed that he had never seen the men. He also stressed that the wanted men didn't live with him.

The Ramsey County officials stressed that the ICE officials didn't have any warrant for entry or arrest with them. Choi said, "We think we have much of the facts but there’s still more facts that we need." Moreover, Thao's family members, in a statement to CNN, said that they were aware about his unlawful arrest. The statement read, "We are cooperating with law enforcement and have faith in the legal process to seek justice for ChongLy Scott Thao and our family."

County officials have submitted a letter to the federal government—referred to as a "Touhy request"—and have requested evidence that justified Thao’s arrest. The evidence includes documents, body-cam recordings, and permission to interview the federal agents, according to the letter provided to CNN. Choi stressed, "The letter is only the first step in trying to seek the truth. We’re not going to let it go."

Sheriff Bob Fletcher of Ramsey County shared that the investigators have not identified the officers who arrested Thao at his home. He stressed, "There are limits on ICE authority, just like there are limits on ours. There is a federal court system that can provide a check and balance to ICE, but also the state and local authorities have the authority to provide a check and balance to what ICE does.”