Tim Walz grants clemency to undocumented immigrant found guilty of armed robbery prior to ICE deportation to Laos

Minnesota Governor Pardons Convicted Illegal Immigrant

On Wednesday, Minnesota’s Democratic governor granted a pardon to an illegal immigrant with a prior conviction for armed robbery, just before he faced deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Jai Van, originally from Laos, was convicted in 1994 in Hennepin County for aiding and abetting armed robbery. He was 18 at the time of the incident.

After serving his sentence, Van was released back into the U.S. but was arrested by ICE in January during Operation Metro Surge in the Minneapolis area, as noted in a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.

Upon learning of Van’s arrest and his request for a pardon in June, Governor Tim Walz called a special meeting with the state Pardon Board’s Pardon Review Committee to expedite the review of Van’s case before any potential deportation.

The committee, which included Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, unanimously decided to grant the pardon.

They observed that Van had not engaged in any further criminal activities since his release, had established a family, and operated a local painting business.

During the hearing, Walz mistakenly referred to Van as a “citizen” and noted that Van had become a valuable member of the community since being released.

Walz expressed doubt about the benefits of deporting Van, saying, “I don’t see any reason why Minnesota would be safer or better off if Mr. Vann was deported to a country he hasn’t been to since he was a child.” He added that deportation wouldn’t aid Van’s family or local economic growth.

Ellison, participating by phone, stated he had reviewed Van’s case and supported the board members’ favorable remarks concerning his clemency petition.

Governor Walz has taken a strong stance against the federal government’s actions during Operation Metro Surge, previously likening ICE agents to Nazis, which led to a sharp response from then-acting ICE Director Todd Lyons. Lyons urged Walz to rethink his comments, advocating for a more measured approach towards ICE personnel.