Story perspectives

Governor Walz Labels ICE ‘Gestapo’ and Pardons Robbery Convict

5/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Tim Walz called Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers “modern-day Gestapo,” drawing criticism from ICE Director Todd Lyons.
Governor Tim Walz pardoned Jai Vang, convicted of a robbery, after a Minnesota Board of Pardons vote.
Attorney General Keith Ellison and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson approved the pardon on Clemency Review Commission, though Governor Tim Walz mistakenly called Vang a “citizen” and said deportation would not improve safety or economy.

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Story summary

Governor Tim Walz called Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers “modern-day Gestapo,” drawing criticism from ICE Director Todd Lyons.
Governor Tim Walz pardoned Jai Vang, convicted of a robbery, after a Minnesota Board of Pardons vote.
Attorney General Keith Ellison and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson approved the pardon on Clemency Review Commission, though Governor Tim Walz mistakenly called Vang a “citizen” and said deportation would not improve safety or economy.