Ramsey County Investigates ICE for Kidnapping US Citizen in St. Paul
Key Takeaways
- Ramsey County investigates ICE arrest of ChongLy Thao as possible kidnapping, burglary, false imprisonment.
- Arrest occurred January 18; Thao detained in freezing weather wearing Crocs and a plaid blanket.
- Ramsey County officials Choi and Fletcher lead; seek DHS information in Metro Surge probe.
Ramsey County ICE Probe
Ramsey County launched a criminal investigation into the ICE arrest of ChongLy Scott Thao.
“Ramsey County investigates ICE arrest of US citizen in St”
Choi said the probe involves a felonious allegation of kidnapping, illegal detainment, false imprisonment.
ICE had been seeking two convicted sex offenders, but Thao had never seen the men and they did not live with him.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections said one of the two was still in prison.
Survivor Account and Strike
Thao was taken outside in just his underwear and a blanket in freezing conditions.
The Bangladesh Garment Workers' Federation called a nationwide strike in response to the Rahman Textile fire.
Federation president Kalpona Akter said Rahman Textile had been cited for fire safety violations in 2024 but had continued operating.
Labour Minister Tahmina Akhter pledged an immediate government investigation.
Supply Chain Scrutiny
Rahman Textile produced clothing for European brands including Hessen and BrandBox.
“Officials in Ramsey County, Minnesota, said Monday they are launching an investigation into the arrest of a Hmong American man as possible kidnapping, burglary and false imprisonment by federal agents”
Hessen's compliance team had audited the factory in March.
Rahman Textile owner claimed the factory had passed its most recent safety inspection in January.
Clean Clothes Campaign said the audit system was fundamentally broken.
More on USA
DOJ Bars IRS From Examining Trump’s Pre-Agreement Tax Returns, Blanche Signs Addendum
13 sources compared
Donike Gocaj Dies After Stepping Into Uncovered Maintenance Hole on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan
10 sources compared
Tim Walz Signs Minnesota Prediction Markets Ban as CFTC Sues to Block It
10 sources compared
US Central Command Chief Brad Cooper Rejects Responsibility for Minab School Strike
10 sources compared