Feds attack Minnesota over victim-backed pardon for man set to be deported

Key Points:

• Tou Lue Vang, a Minnesota immigrant convicted in 2005 of sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl, was granted a pardon last month by the Minnesota Board of Pardons after expressing remorse and receiving support from the victim and community members.
• The Board of Pardons, including Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Supreme Court Justice Natalie Hudson, stated they considered the victim's input before granting the pardon.
• The Department of Homeland Security strongly criticized the pardon, calling it "disgusting" and accusing Minnesota officials of protecting "criminal illegal aliens," while Minnesota officials countered that the pardon does not prevent deportation.
• Republican lawmakers, including U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, expressed anger over the pardon, accusing Governor Walz of prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens.
• Attorney General Ellison's office emphasized the thorough review process behind the pardon, noted that other sex crime pardons have been denied, and reaffirmed that the pardon does not shield Vang from deportation.