Ramsey County sues DHS over St. Paul ICE raid
Ramsey County sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in federal court to overturn what it calls an "unlawful policy of noncooperation." FOX 9 The suit asks a judge to force DHS to assist a local criminal probe into an ICE raid in St. Paul.[1]
County officials say federal agents broke into a St. Paul home on January 18, 2026, and arrested 56-year-old Hmong American U.S. citizen Chongly Scott Thao.[1] Video shows agents removing Thao outside in shorts and Crocs in subzero temperatures, a clip that has gone viral and fueled community outrage.[1]
DHS said the operation targeted two convicted sex offenders, but Ramsey County records show one supposed target has been jailed since September 2024, and Thao says he does not know either man.[1] Ramsey County opened an April investigation into potential kidnapping, burglary and false imprisonment after Thao says agents took him to a remote location before checking his identification.[1] St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and Thao's family have publicly called the arrest a case of mistaken identity.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Ramsey County is suing DHS to overturn what it calls an "unlawful policy of noncooperation" and compel cooperation with a local criminal investigation.
- On January 18, 2026, federal agents broke into a St. Paul home and arrested 56-year-old Hmong American U.S. citizen Chongly Scott Thao, taking him outside in shorts and Crocs in subzero temperatures.
- DHS said the operation targeted two convicted sex offenders, but county records show one supposed target has been incarcerated since September 2024, and Thao says he does not know either man.
- Ramsey County’s April investigation is probing potential kidnapping, burglary and false imprisonment by federal agents after Thao says he was taken to a remote location before agents checked his identification.
- St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and Thao’s family have called the arrest a case of mistaken identity, and the viral arrest video has fueled community outrage over Operation Metro Surge tactics.
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