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Secretary Rubio Revokes Vang’s Status, Overturning Minnesota Pardon

7/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked Tou Lue Vang’s status, causing his removal from the United States despite a Minnesota pardon.
The Minnesota Board of Pardons voted June 10 to grant Vang a pardon, with the Clemency Review Commission splitting 4-2 in favor, citing immigration concerns and the victim’s support.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said revocation protects Americans from sex predators and that Vang will no longer pose a threat.

History

Historical Context

Bill Clinton signed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act in 1996, effective April 1 1997, creating expedited removal and 10-year entry bans that pushed annual deportations past 8,000 by 2000. The 2024 decision by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to strip Tou Lue Vang’s status, despite a state pardon, mirrors that law’s emphasis on public-safety-driven removals.

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Story summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked Tou Lue Vang’s status, causing his removal from the United States despite a Minnesota pardon.
The Minnesota Board of Pardons voted June 10 to grant Vang a pardon, with the Clemency Review Commission splitting 4-2 in favor, citing immigration concerns and the victim’s support.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said revocation protects Americans from sex predators and that Vang will no longer pose a threat.

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