USA13 April, 20261 min read
Ramsey County Investigates ICE for Kidnapping US Citizen in St. Paul
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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 ICE Probe
Ramsey County launched a criminal investigation into the ICE arrest of ChongLy Scott Thao. 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. 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.