Ramsey County Launches Investigation Into Hmong American Man's Arrest by ICE

Officials say federal agents' actions may have constituted kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:35pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a modest Hmong American home at night, with warm moonlight casting long shadows across the exterior. The scene conveys a sense of quiet unease and vulnerability, reflecting the emotional impact of the federal agents' actions.The arrest of a Hmong American man by federal agents in his own home sparks a local investigation into possible civil rights violations.Minneapolis Today

Officials in Ramsey County, Minnesota, have launched an investigation into the arrest of a 56-year-old Hmong American man by federal immigration agents, which they say may have constituted kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment. Videos showed agents breaking down the man's door without a warrant and removing him in just his underwear. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said nine local law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident and other potentially felonious conduct by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with Ramsey County asserting its sovereign right to investigate potential misconduct by federal agents. It also comes amid a broader dispute over the Trump administration's refusal to cooperate with state and local investigations into the killings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis.

The details

In January, federal agents broke down the door of 56-year-old U.S. citizen ChongLy Scott Thao and removed him from his home in just his underwear and a blanket. Thao said he had never seen the two convicted sex offenders the agents claimed they were seeking, and officials later acknowledged he had no criminal record. Videos captured the incident, which included neighbors blowing whistles and horns and yelling at the armed agents to leave Thao's family alone.

  • In January 2026, federal agents arrested ChongLy Scott Thao.
  • On April 13, 2026, Ramsey County officials announced they were launching an investigation into Thao's arrest.

The players

John Choi

The Ramsey County Attorney who announced the investigation into the federal agents' actions.

ChongLy Scott Thao

A 56-year-old U.S. citizen who was arrested by federal immigration agents in January 2026 in an incident that Ramsey County officials are now investigating.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has refused to cooperate with state and local investigations into the actions of its agents.

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What they’re saying

“We have diligently been working on trying to get to the truth. This is not about any type of predetermined agenda, other than to seek the truth and to investigate the facts.”

— John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney

“We have, I believe in the state of Minnesota, a sovereign right and a huge public interest to have a local investigation.”

— John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney

What’s next

Ramsey County officials say they are trying to determine whether any crimes were committed that they could prosecute under state or federal law. They are also appealing to the public to share information about federal officers' potentially illegal activities, given the refusal by federal authorities to provide evidence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with Ramsey County asserting its right to investigate potential misconduct by federal agents. It also reflects a broader dispute over the Trump administration's refusal to cooperate with state and local investigations into the actions of federal officers.