DHS Accuses Governor Walz of Pardoning a Convicted Child Rapist and Blocking His Deportation

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faces allegations from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for pardoning Tu Lu Van, an undocumented immigrant convicted of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl multiple times. This pardon, they argue, has effectively erased his criminal record and shields him from deportation. Discussions among FOX News hosts and guests center around the implications of this decision and raise broader issues related to U.S. immigration policy and the concept of birth tourism.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed to Fox News Digital that Van, a convicted child rapist from Laos, had been granted clemency by Governor Walz and the Minnesota Board of Pardons just before his scheduled deportation. Rubio intervened to ensure Van’s immigration status was terminated, thereby facilitating the deportation process.

“Just weeks ago, a foreign child rapist was pardoned by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, which allowed him to potentially endanger American children once more,” Rubio stated. He noted that Van had admitted to the serious crime and attempted to pay the victim for her silence, even trivializing his actions. Rubio expressed frustration, saying that days before his deportation, Walz’s pardon put American families at risk.

Van was convicted in 2006 for first-degree criminal sexual conduct, having assaulted the girl over a two-year period. He reportedly claimed to authorities that marrying and having sexual relations with young girls was part of his culture.

“Americans shouldn’t have to fear for their safety due to foreign sex offenders being shielded from deportation by elected officials,” Rubio emphasized. He asserted that Van’s legal status was revoked and that he has now been deported, ensuring he poses no further threat.

The Minnesota Board of Pardons, which includes Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, granted Van’s pardon on June 10, following a recommendation from the nine-member Minnesota Pardon Review Commission.

The DHS had previously expressed concerns that such pardons could protect criminal aliens from being deported. Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Biss criticized Walz’s decision, labeling it “disgusting” and highlighting that it caters to criminal aliens.

In addition, last May, Walz along with the Board pardoned another Lao immigrant convicted of armed robbery shortly before his deportation, raising questions about the state’s approach to handling criminal cases involving undocumented immigrants.

Walz defended his decision, stating that Van had become an “important member of the community” after his imprisonment, incorrectly referring to him as a U.S. citizen. He expressed skepticism about whether deporting Van would truly benefit the community or families involved, claiming it wouldn’t contribute positively to the economy or create jobs.