Tim Walz Pardons Illegal Alien Armed Robber Before Deportation
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz pardoned an illegal immigrant convicted of armed robbery in 1994 to prevent his deportation by federal immigration authorities.
Jai Vang, an illegal alien from Laos, was convicted of aiding and abetting armed robbery in Hennepin County in 1994 when he was 18 years old, according to New York Post. After serving his prison sentence, Vang was released back into the United States.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Vang in January during Operation Metro Surge in the Minneapolis area, according to Department of Homeland Security records from that time. When Walz learned of the arrest and Vang’s clemency request to avoid deportation in June, the governor convened a special session of the state’s Board of Pardons’ Clemency Review Commission to expedite the case before deportation proceedings could be finalized.
The commission, which included Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, voted unanimously to grant the pardon. The board justified its decision by noting Vang had not committed additional crimes since his release, had established a family, and operates a local painting business.
During the hearing, Walz inaccurately described Vang as a citizen while defending the pardon decision. I can find no reason how Minnesota will be safer or better if Mr. Vang is deported, Walz stated, characterizing Vang as a taxpaying resident who creates job growth and lives free from criminal activity.
Ellison, who participated by phone, confirmed he had reviewed Vang’s file and supported the clemency petition.
Walz’s History of Opposing Federal Immigration Enforcement
The Democratic governor has consistently opposed federal immigration operations in his state. During Operation Metro Surge, Walz employed extreme rhetoric comparing ICE agents to Nazis, referring to them as President Donald Trump’s modern-day Gestapo.
Then-Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons sharply rebuked Walz for the inflammatory language, urging the governor to refrain from endangering ICE officers by comparing them to one of history’s most appalling groups. Lyons added that if Walz disagreed with immigration laws, he should advocate for Congress to change them rather than attacking federal agents.
The pardon effectively shields Vang from deportation despite his criminal conviction and illegal immigration status.
With information from New York Post
