As his 4-year-old grandson watched, crying, Thao was taken outside, wrapped only in the child’s blanket. “It was embarrassing,” he recalled to NBC. Agents then placed him in a vehicle and drove him to an isolated location for a photo, leaving him fearing for his safety.
After realizing he was a US citizen with no criminal record, ICE returned Thao to his home—but left without an apology for the traumatic raid or for breaking down his door.
Community Reaction
The raid has drawn swift backlash from Minneapolis and St. Paul residents and officials. Mayor Kaohly Her criticized ICE’s approach, stating, “They’re not going after hardened criminals. They’re going after anyone and everyone in their path. It is unacceptable and un-American.”
The Department of Homeland Security defended the operation as a “targeted operation,” claiming they were seeking two convicted sex offenders living at the same address. DHS said Thao matched descriptions and initially refused identification checks.
Thao’s family strongly disputes the claim, arguing that DHS is attempting to justify the incident with “false and misleading claims.”
The incident has reignited debates over warrantless raids, the safety of US citizens during ICE operations, and the emotional toll these actions place on families.