Minnesota Sex Offender Deported After Controversial Pardon
Washington, DC (MinnesotaNow) - A convicted Minnesota sex offender who was recently awarded a pardon has been deported.
ICE Deports Pardoned Minnesota Sex Offender
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a statement today confirming that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested and deported Tou Lue Vang. The federal agency describes the Twin Cities man as an illegal immigrant from Laos who was convicted in 2006 of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for repeatedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
“ICE deported Tou Vang, an illegal alien convicted child rapist. This monster repeatedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Tim Walz pardoned this sex criminal in an attempt to allow him to remain in our country. These are the criminal illegal aliens he and sanctuary politicians are protecting. We will always put the safety of the American people first.”
National Media Attention
His case attracted national attention after the Trump administration criticized Governor Tim Walz a will and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who serve as members of the Minnesota Board of Pardons, for issuing a pardon to Vang. The Trump administration claimed the pardon was granted in an effort to thwart his deportation.
Deportation Order Issued 20 Years Ago
The Department of Homeland Security statement announcing Vang's deportation indicates he entered the U.S. in California in 1994 and was granted legal status by the Clinton administration. It also states that his legal status was revoked following his conviction in the sexual abuse case and that a federal immigration judge issued a final order for his removal in October 2006.
The DHS says ICE originally detained Vang last December, but a judge ordered his release from custody in February. The Minnesota Clemency Review Commission voted on June 10 to grant him the pardon.