Walz grants clemency to undocumented immigrant found guilty of armed robbery prior to deportation.

Governor Grants Pardon to Convicted Illegal Immigrant in Minnesota

Minnesota’s governor has decided to grant amnesty to an undocumented immigrant facing deportation after having a prior conviction for armed robbery. The case involves Jai Van, originally from Laos, who was found guilty of aiding and abetting an armed robbery in Hennepin County back in 1994, when he was just 18.

After serving his time, Van was released and went on with his life in the U.S. However, in January, he was arrested by ICE during a sweep in the Minneapolis area. This operation, termed Metro Surge, was part of a broader initiative aimed at tackling illegal immigration.

When Governor Tim Walz learned about Van’s predicament and his efforts to secure a pardon to evade deportation, he quickly set up a meeting for a special review by the State Board of Pardons. This was done to ensure that Van’s case received urgent attention before any deportation could take place.

The pardon review committee, which included officials like Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, unanimously voted in favor of granting Van a pardon. The committee noted that Van had not been involved in any criminal activity since his release, had established a family, and operated a local painting business.

During the pardon hearing, Walz mistakenly referred to Van as a “citizen” and emphasized that he had become an essential member of the community since his release from prison. He expressed concerns about how deporting Van, who hadn’t lived in Laos since childhood, would benefit Minnesota or its residents. “It makes little sense to send him back to a country he’s unfamiliar with, especially when he contributes positively to our community,” he remarked.

Ellison, joining the discussion by phone, supported the pardon, affirming that he had reviewed Van’s file and echoed sentiments from the board in favor of clemency.

This decision comes amid a fraught relationship between Walz and the federal government concerning immigration policies. Walz has previously faced criticism for his strong opposition to ICE, likening them to oppressive groups from history, prompting a defensive response from former ICE officials urging him to reassess his statements.