St. Paul: ICE Deports Man After Minnesota Pardon
ST. PAUL (trfnews.i234.me) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Tou Lue Vang to Laos on Friday.
The removal followed a long immigration case tied to Vang’s 2006 Minnesota conviction. He was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a child.
Records described repeated assaults between 2002 and 2004. The victim was 10 years old when the abuse began.
Removal Order Remained Active
The Department of Homeland Security said an immigration judge ordered Vang removed on October 31, 2006.
Vang entered the United States through California in 1994. Federal officials said he received legal status before his conviction.
ICE arrested Vang on December 10, 2025. A federal judge ordered his release from ICE custody on February 19, 2026.
Minnesota Board Granted Pardon
Minnesota’s Board of Pardons granted Vang a pardon in June. The decision set aside his state conviction.
Governor Tim Walz serves on the three-member board. State rules require the governor and another member to approve a pardon.
The Minnesota Clemency Review Commission reviews applications before the board makes a final decision.
Independent reporting said Vang expressed remorse during the process. The victim also submitted a letter supporting his request.
The pardon drew criticism from federal officials and Republican lawmakers. They argued it could help Vang challenge deportation.
Federal Action Followed
State pardons and federal immigration orders are separate legal matters. A state pardon does not automatically grant federal immigration status.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said officials ended Vang’s remaining permission to stay. ICE then carried out the removal to Laos.
DHS described the deportation as a public safety action. The department linked the case to its wider immigration enforcement campaign.
Federal officials did not release further details about the deportation flight.
I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.
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