Minnesota Pardons Immigrant Convicted of Child Sexual Abuse, Blocking Deportation

A controversial pardon granted by the Minnesota Board of Pardons has allowed Tou Lue Vang, a Hmong immigrant convicted of child sexual abuse, to avoid deportation. The board, comprising Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, voted to clear Vang's criminal record on June 10, effectively halting his removal from the United States. Federal immigration authorities expressed strong disapproval, with DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis calling the decision "disgusting" and accusing state leadership of protecting a "violent offender."

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Governor Tim Walz's decision to pardon an illegal alien convicted child rapist so he can remain in our country is disgusting. These are the criminal illegal aliens he and his Minnesota sanctuary politicians are protecting.

Vang, who arrived in the U.S. in 1994, was convicted for repeatedly assaulting a 10-year-old girl between 2002 and 2004. During the investigation, he reportedly justified his actions by stating that marrying and having sex with girls as young as 12 was a "cultural thing." He also claimed the victim bore some responsibility. Despite these offenses, Vang secured a plea deal that avoided prison time, though a federal immigration judge later issued a removal order.

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it is a cultural thing...to marry and have sex with girls as young as 12.

Federal officials noted that Vang's deportation had recently become feasible due to an agreement with Laos to accept deportees. They accused Minnesota's Democratic leadership of attempting to subvert federal immigration enforcement. Vang's pardon application emphasized his claims of rehabilitation since completing probation in 2019, stating he had worked to support his six children and was a "changed man."

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My past actions - though deeply regrettable - do not reflect the man I am today. Since my conviction, I have committed myself to living an hon