ICE Breaks Into Minnesota Home, Drags Barely Clothed Man Into Snow

A disturbing incident in Saint Paul has sparked outrage after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers broke down the front door of a residence with guns drawn, handcuffed the homeowner and dragged him into the snow while he was wearing only shorts and Crocs, local reports say.

The man, ChongLy Thao (56) - who also goes by the name Scott - is a naturalised U.S. citizen originally from Laos, according to his account to Reuters. During the Sunday afternoon raid, Thao said he was caught off guard and feared for his safety as he was taken outside without being given the opportunity to put on proper clothing despite freezing temperatures.

Photos of Thao wrapped in a blanket and escorted by agents circulated widely on social media, intensifying criticism and raising questions about the conduct of ICE officers during the operation. Members of Thao’s family described the incident as “unnecessary, degrading and deeply traumatising.”

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman said the officers had been investigating two convicted sex offenders believed to be linked to the address. According to DHS, Thao matched the description of one of the targets and was temporarily detained under standard protocol, which they said includes holding all individuals present for safety during such operations.

After conducting fingerprinting and photographing him in the ICE vehicle, the agents eventually returned Thao to his home later that day - without providing an explanation or apology, according to his statement.

The episode has intensified debate in the United States over federal immigration enforcement practices, particularly in Minnesota’s Twin Cities area, where thousands of federal officers have been deployed amid heightened tensions after other controversial enforcement incidents.

Civil liberties advocates and local community leaders have raised concerns about potential civil rights violations and the appropriateness of tactics used in residential raids affecting individuals who are U.S. citizens, adding to a broader national conversation on law enforcement limits and due process.