Minnesota Pardons Undocumented Immigrant Convicted of Sexual Assault
Recently, officials in Minnesota, including Governor Tim Walz, made headlines by granting a pardon to an undocumented immigrant facing deportation after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
During a meeting on June 10, the Minnesota Board of Pardons, which includes Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, pardoned 42-year-old Tu Luu Van. Van, a national from Laos, received this decision following a recommendation from the Minnesota Pardon Review Commission. Carly Stark, the Executive Director of the CRC, communicated this significant decision in a letter to Van.
The pardon effectively wipes clean Van’s past offenses.
Stark described the granting of his pardon as “a remarkable accomplishment” that acknowledges Van’s efforts for personal improvement since his conviction.
Van was convicted in 2006 for first-degree criminal sexual conduct after repeatedly assaulting a minor between 2002 and 2006. He had even tried to bribe the girl with $10 to prevent her from speaking about the assaults.
Interestingly, he avoided prison time through a plea deal where he pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Lauren Biss, an acting assistant secretary at Homeland Security, expressed disappointment in Walz’s decision to pardon Van. She described the situation as unfortunate, highlighting that it protects individuals—identified as criminal illegal aliens—who should face legal consequences.
Biss also remarked on how Van lost his legal status after the conviction.
In 2005, when he was taken into custody, Van admitted to having inappropriate contact with the girl but criticized Thai cultural norms, according to a criminal complaint cited by The New York Times.
In April, the nine-member CRC voted on Van’s petition, with four members in favor and two against, while three were absent. Ultimately, the board maintains the authority to decide on pardons.
In his application for the pardon, Van emphasized his years of rehabilitation and claimed full responsibility for his previous actions.
Van came to the U.S. via California in 1994, initially receiving legal status under the Clinton administration, which was later revoked following his conviction and an order for removal in 2006.
Last year, federal authorities detained him as part of Operation Metro Surge, initiated during the Trump administration. Throughout Trump’s presidency, he criticized Walz and Minnesota’s sanctuary policies, which he argued shield undocumented immigrants, including those with violent records, from federal enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security also noted that other individuals have received similar amnesty in the past. For instance, in May, another Laotian national, Jai Van, was pardoned despite a criminal history involving robbery and DUI.
