Officials in Ramsey County, Minnesota, on Monday introduced a felony investigation into the arrest of ChongLy Thao, a US citizen caught in a viral picture as immigration brokers walked him out of his residence in freezing climate carrying little greater than Crocs, shorts, and a plaid blanket.
The incident, which shocked residents within the Twin Cities space, “involves a felonious allegation of kidnapping, illegal detainment, false imprisonment,” Ramsey County Attorney John Choi mentioned in a information convention.
“We believe there was no legitimate legal reason for the federal agents to enter that home, it was not supported by probable cause,” Choi mentioned.
NCS has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for remark.
The county lawyer mentioned Thao was forcibly faraway from his residence and brought out in freezing climate whereas carrying little clothes. He was questioned within the automobile away from his residence for greater than an hour, Choi mentioned.
Agents ultimately realized Thao was a US citizen with no felony report and returned him to his residence after a pair of hours, Thao mentioned in an interview with The Associated Press in January.
DHS had mentioned the ICE officers had been searching for two convicted intercourse offenders. But Thao advised the AP he had by no means seen the 2 males earlier than and that they didn’t reside with him.
“We think we have much of the facts but there’s still more facts that we need,” he mentioned, calling on the federal authorities to share proof his workplace has requested.
Choi mentioned he despatched a letter to the federal authorities – often known as a Touhy request – demanding any proof used to justify Thao’s arrest throughout the operation.
Thao was detained as protesters clashed with federal brokers throughout Operation Metro Surge, the monthslong immigration enforcement crackdown that roiled Minnesota.
Choi mentioned a number of individuals have made reviews along with his workplace concerning federal brokers’ actions, and mentioned they want federal cooperation to totally examine.
This is a growing story and might be up to date.