Minnesota Man Dragged From Home in Underwear During ICE Raid

Federal immigration agents stormed a Minnesota home without a warrant, guns drawn, and detained a U.S. citizen in nothing but his underwear, according to his family. The shocking incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about ICE’s enforcement tactics.

Nap Turns Into Nightmare

ChongLy “Scott” Thao was jolted awake by his daughter-in-law one Sunday afternoon. She warned that ICE agents were pounding at the door. Despite Thao asking her not to open it, the agents forced their way in. He recalled agents pointing guns at the family while shouting commands.

“I was shaking. They didn’t show any warrant; they just broke down the door,” Thao said. He stepped outside wearing only sandals and shorts, draped in a blanket. His four-year-old grandson watched in tears.

Neighbors captured videos of the raid, blowing whistles and shouting at the armed agents to leave.

ICE Refuses to Verify ID

Thao, a long-time U.S. citizen, tried to show his identification, but the agents refused. They drove him “to the middle of nowhere” and ordered him out in freezing temperatures for photos. Thao feared for his safety and worried the agents might harm him.

Eventually, the agents confirmed his citizenship and returned him home after one to two hours. They left without apologizing for detaining him or breaking down his door.

Mistaken Identity, According to DHS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the raid targeted two convicted sex offenders. DHS said Thao lived at the same residence as the suspects and resisted fingerprinting and facial identification.

Thao’s family disputes the explanation. Only Thao, his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson live in the St. Paul home. Public records show the nearest registered sex offender lives more than two blocks away.

Before the raid, Thao’s son was briefly stopped while driving a borrowed car. The car owner shared a first name with an unrelated convicted sex offender, possibly contributing to the confusion.

Family Prepares Lawsuit

Thao plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against DHS. He no longer feels safe in his own home. His family highlights the broader historical context: Thao’s mother fled Laos after the communist takeover due to her work with U.S.-backed operations.

Thao’s mother, a nurse, cared for CIA-backed Hmong soldiers during the U.S. “Secret War” from 1961 to 1975. She passed away in late December 2025.

ICE Operations in Minnesota Under Scrutiny

ICE arrests of U.S. citizens have previously drawn criticism in Minnesota. In early January, an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, questioned the federal account, calling the shooting “preventable” and “unnecessary.”

President Donald Trump defended the ICE officer, claiming self-defense. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem labeled the incident “domestic terrorism,” citing vehicle obstruction of officers. Mayor Frey disputed the account, calling the federal narrative false and describing the victim as non-threatening.

Growing Federal Presence Raises Concern

The Twin Cities are seeing an expanded deployment of ICE and Homeland Security Investigation agents. Reports suggest up to 2,000 agents could be involved, raising fear among residents over enforcement tactics and public safety.

Citizens Fear for Safety

ChongLy Thao’s ordeal highlights the potential dangers of federal enforcement errors. Families and neighbors express concern about ICE operations in Minneapolis, while legal action may hold authorities accountable.