The Department of Homeland Security is blasting Minnesota Democrats after the state’s Board of Pardons voted to grant clemency to a Laotian national convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl, arguing the decision could jeopardize his deportation.
The June 10 pardon was approved by a three-member board that includes Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson. The recipient, Tou Lue Vang, lost his legal immigration status after his 2006 conviction for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge.
According to DHS, Vang was nearing deportation after Laos resumed accepting deportees following President Donald Trump’s return to office. The department contends the pardon could remove the conviction that formed the basis for his removability.
“Governor Tim Walz’s decision to pardon an illegal alien convicted child rapist so he can remain in our country is disgusting,” Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement. “These are the criminal illegal aliens he and his Minnesota sanctuary politicians are protecting.”
Court records cited by DHS allege Vang repeatedly abused the girl between 2002 and 2004, attempted to pay her $10 to keep quiet, and later told investigators it was “a cultural thing” to marry and have sex with girls as young as 12. According to investigators, Vang also argued the victim should be arrested.
The pardon followed Minnesota’s clemency review process, during which the victim submitted a letter saying she had forgiven Vang and supported his request. State officials have said her statement was an important factor in the board’s decision.
The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office opposed the pardon, arguing the crime was exceptionally serious and noting Vang originally received a reduced sentence partly because the victim faced family pressure not to cooperate with prosecutors.
DHS said the case reflects what it views as a broader pattern of Minnesota extending clemency to criminal non-citizens, citing another recent pardon granted to a Laotian immigrant with convictions including armed robbery and drunk driving.
Whether the pardon ultimately prevents Vang’s removal will be decided through the federal immigration system, but DHS argues that eliminating the conviction underlying his removal order could significantly complicate deportation efforts.
Watch the clip below:
🚨 OMG. The child r*pist pardoned by Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Board of Pardons JUSTIFIED his preying upon a 10-year-old by calling it a "cultural thing"
AG Keith Ellison and the Chief Justice were also involved in the pardon
ALL OF THEM SHOULD RESIGN, IMMEDIATELY!
Now,… pic.twitter.com/TgbZphgNwt
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 2, 2026
