US Citizen ChongLy Thao Dragged from Home in Underwear at Gunpoint
St. Paul, Minnesota
January 19, 2026
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
ICE
PBS News
Description
ChongLy 'Scott' Thao, a Hmong-American U.S. citizen for decades, was detained by masked ICE agents who forced open his door without a warrant, pointed guns at his family including a crying 4-year-old grandson, refused to look at his ID, and dragged him outside in subfreezing temperatures wearing only underwear and Crocs with a blanket. He was driven around for an hour being questioned before fingerprinting confirmed he was a citizen with no criminal record. Dropped home with no apology. His mother, who helped American troops in Laos, had died just three weeks earlier. St. Paul Mayor: 'They're going after anyone and everyone in their path. It is unacceptable and un-American.' Thao planning civil rights lawsuit.
Location Map
Victims
- ChongLy 'Scott' Thao