Man Claims ICE Detained Him After Warrantless Search

January 20, 2026 5:14 am

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Federal immigration agents have detained a U.S. citizen in Minnesota at gunpoint without a warrant. That’s according to ChongLy “Scott” Thao, who says agents forced open his door, entered with guns drawn and led him outside in his underwear in freezing conditions. The detention is part of a larger surge of federal agents in the Twin Cities, leading to backlash over warrantless arrests and aggressive tactics. The Department of Homeland Security says the operation targeted two sex offenders. Thao disputes this, saying he lives with his family, none of whom are listed as offenders. Thao plans to file a civil rights lawsuit.