Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

ICE Detains Hmong-American Man, Community Fears Deportation

1/20/2026

46 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

ChongLy Scott Thao, a 56-year-old U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE in St. Paul.
Thao was taken from his home in shorts and Crocs during the operation.
Thao's family disputes ICE's claim that he lived with the offenders.
Mayor Kaohly Her criticized the agents' conduct, emphasizing fear in the Hmong-American community.
Thao fears deportation to Laos, where he has no family.

History

Historical Context

The Hmong Refugee Resettlement Act of 1987 enabled around 100,000 Hmong refugees to settle in the U.S. after the Vietnam War, following earlier waves of immigration beginning in the 1970s. Recent ICE detentions, such as that of ChongLy Scott Thao, reveal ongoing fears of deportation within the Hmong-American community, highlighting the enduring impact of U.S. immigration policies on vulnerable populations.

1 of 2

Story summary

ChongLy Scott Thao, a 56-year-old U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE in St. Paul.
Thao was taken from his home in shorts and Crocs during the operation.
Thao's family disputes ICE's claim that he lived with the offenders.
Mayor Kaohly Her criticized the agents' conduct, emphasizing fear in the Hmong-American community.
Thao fears deportation to Laos, where he has no family.

1 / 2