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Immigration Agents Remove U.S. Citizen from Home in Underwear During Minnesota Operation
A photograph capturing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents escorting a man wearing only underwear, shoes, and a blanket through freezing temperatures in St. Paul, Minnesota has been confirmed as authentic, igniting controversy over the agency’s tactics during recent immigration enforcement operations.
The image, taken by Reuters photographer Leah Millis on January 18, 2026, shows 56-year-old ChongLy Thao being removed from his home during an ICE operation. According to multiple reports and official statements, Thao is a naturalized U.S. citizen with no criminal record.
The incident occurred during Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale immigration enforcement initiative that has resulted in approximately 3,000 arrests across Minnesota in recent weeks. The photograph quickly spread across social media platforms, with users expressing outrage over the treatment of Thao.
According to interviews Thao gave to both Reuters and The Associated Press, ICE agents broke down a door to enter his home while he was inside with his daughter-in-law and 4-year-old grandson. Though accounts differ slightly about what Thao was doing before agents arrived – Reuters reported he was singing karaoke while AP stated he was napping – both news organizations confirmed that agents removed Thao from his house wearing minimal clothing.
Weather records from the National Weather Service show temperatures in St. Paul reached a high of only 14 degrees Fahrenheit that day. Bystander video from the scene showed Thao struggling to maintain balance while navigating snow banks at the roadside.
The Department of Homeland Security has defended the agents’ actions. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant DHS secretary, stated on social media that agents targeted Thao’s house while searching for “two convicted sex offenders” with deportation orders. McLaughlin claimed Thao “lives with these two convicted sex offenders” and that he “refused to be fingerprinted or facially ID’d” while “matching the description of the targets.”
However, Thao’s family strongly disputes this account. In a statement sent to media outlets, the family noted that “key assertions” in the DHS statement “do not reflect their firsthand knowledge of the events or the living situation at the residence.”
“Mr. Thao is a United States citizen with no criminal record. The only individuals residing at the home are Mr. Thao, his adult son, his daughter-in-law, and his young grandson. The family does not know the individuals referenced in DHS’s statement,” wrote Louansee Moua, Thao’s sister-in-law.
The family further alleged that ICE agents neither presented a warrant nor requested identification before detaining Thao. According to their statement, “Mr. Thao did not resist and went with agents voluntarily, despite the absence of an explanation for his detention at the time.”
Both news organizations reported that agents eventually returned Thao to his home after verifying his citizenship status. According to the AP report, Thao’s daughter-in-law attempted to find his identification before agents removed him from the home, but agents reportedly said they “didn’t want to see it.” The agents allegedly later asked for identification after driving Thao “to the middle of nowhere” and taking additional photographs of him.
The incident comes amid heightened tension surrounding immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Just days before Thao’s detention, an ICE agent fatally shot a person identified as Renee Nicole Good during another enforcement action in the state, further intensifying scrutiny of the agency’s tactics.
Thao’s family has indicated they are seeking legal counsel regarding the January 18 incident. The case highlights ongoing concerns about civil rights protections during immigration enforcement operations and the potential for citizens and legal residents to be caught up in such actions.
As Operation Metro Surge continues across Minnesota, advocacy groups and legal experts are likely to monitor the situation closely, particularly regarding proper identification procedures and treatment of individuals during enforcement activities.
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10 Comments
The photo certainly appears authentic and the details match the reports. Removing a citizen from their home in such a manner, with no criminal record, raises serious concerns about ICE’s oversight and accountability.
Absolutely, there needs to be a thorough investigation into the incident and the protocols that allowed this to happen. Citizens deserve to feel safe in their own homes.
This is a disturbing situation that highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight of immigration enforcement operations. The treatment of Thao seems unjustified and concerning, even if he was mistakenly targeted.
I agree, the disproportionate use of force and lack of care for Thao’s wellbeing is very troubling. Proper procedures and respect for civil liberties must be upheld, even in immigration cases.
This incident underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight of ICE operations. Removing a US citizen from their home in such a manner, with no apparent justification, is deeply troubling and raises serious questions.
I agree, this case highlights systemic issues that must be addressed. The lack of compassion and disregard for Thao’s rights is unacceptable, even in the context of immigration enforcement.
While immigration enforcement is complex, the alleged tactics used in this case appear heavy-handed and potentially unconstitutional. Detaining a citizen in their underclothes in freezing weather seems excessive and inhumane.
Absolutely, the reported treatment of Thao is very concerning. Regardless of the circumstances, basic human dignity and rights should be respected during any law enforcement operation.
This is a concerning incident that raises questions about ICE’s tactics and treatment of detainees, even US citizens. While upholding immigration laws is important, the agents’ actions seem disproportionate and disrespectful of Thao’s rights and dignity.
I agree, the use of force and lack of compassion in this case is troubling. Detaining a US citizen in their underwear in freezing weather seems excessive and inhumane.