Natalie Hudson

The Minnesota Clemency Review Commission pardoned Tou Lue Vang for first-degree criminal sexual conduct, which may block his deportation as an illegal immigrant from Laos. Federal officials, including the Department of Homeland Security, criticized the pardon, calling it 'disgusting' and arguing it protects criminal illegal aliens.

Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz, pardoned Tou Lue Vang, a Laos national convicted of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in 2006, preventing his deportation. The Minnesota Board of Pardons, led by Walz, granted the pardon after the Clemency Review Commission's recommendation, sparking criticism from U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Board of Pardons granted a pardon to Tou Lue Vang, a Laos national convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct against a 10-year-old girl in 2006. The pardon, recommended by the Minnesota Clemency Review Commission, allows Vang to avoid deportation despite his conviction and loss of legal status following the crime.

Minnesota's Democratic governor pardoned Jai Vang, an illegal alien convicted of armed robbery in 1994, before his deportation by ICE. The pardon followed a special review by the Board of Pardons' Clemency Review Commission, which cited Vang's subsequent good conduct and community contributions.