The Department of Homeland Security said a Minnesota pardon could block the removal of a man convicted of sexually abusing a child.
The Minnesota Clemency Review Commission voted on June 10 to pardon Tou Lue Vang, whom DHS identifies as an illegal immigrant from Laos. The Minnesota Clemency Review Commission confirmed with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS on Thursday that Vang was pardoned for first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
DHS said the vote could block Vang’s removal from the country.
The Minnesota Board of Pardons consists of the governor, attorney general and chief justice.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has reached out to Gov. Walz and the Minnesota’s Attorney General for comment. We are waiting to hear back. A spokesperson for Chief Supreme Court Justice Natalie Hudson said, “The Chief Justice has nothing to say in response to the statements.”
Background
According to court filings, Vang repeatedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl from 2002 to 2004.
DHS says, on one occasion, Vang offered the victim $10 to stay quiet and later told police that for him “it is a cultural thing…to marry and have sex with girls as young as 12.”
Federal officials criticized Gov. Tim Walz and state politicians for Vang’s pardon, calling the decision “disgusting.”
“These are the criminal illegal aliens he and his Minnesota sanctuary politicians are protecting,” Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said.
Federal officials said Vang’s legal status was revoked after his 2006 conviction and final order of removal.
According to Vang’s pardon application, Vang was sentenced to 144 months and placed on probation for 30 years. Upon completing probation in 2019, the Ramsey County District Court determined Vang was “discharged from probation” and was able to restore all civil rights and citizenship as if the conviction “had not taken place,” according to the application.
This is a developing story, and 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS continues working to confirm additional details. Download the KSTP app below to receive updates.
