Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has publicly addressed his role in granting a pardon to Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian national convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a 10-year-old girl. Vang, 42, was recently deported to Laos by federal authorities after his legal status was revoked following the conviction.
The pardon, issued by Minnesota's Board of Pardons on June 10, preceded the Trump administration's announcement last Friday that Vang had been removed from the United States.
Governor Walz Explains Pardon Decision
When questioned about the deportation, Governor Walz critically assessed its overall impact.
"Did that make us any safer?" Walz stated on Tuesday, according to KTTC. "Did that make the children that are left behind any more stable?"
"Did it improve the idea that we can’t all be judged by our worst day?"
He further clarified his stance, acknowledging the severity of Vang's crimes. "And I want to be very clear," Walz added, "These are horrific crimes. They often are."
Walz also emphasized that the pardon decision was not linked to immigration policy. He noted that the Board of Pardons had previously declined clemency for other applicants facing immigration-related consequences, indicating a distinct evaluation process for each case.
Among the factors Walz cited in defending the pardon was the victim's support for Vang's clemency, as reported by KSTP.
Federal Response and Criticism
The decision to pardon Vang drew sharp criticism from federal immigration officials and Republican lawmakers. A spokesperson for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office informed MPR News that the pardon granted by the state did not offer protection against federal deportation proceedings.
Homeland Security acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis strongly condemned the pardon at the time it was granted.
"Governor Tim Walz's decision to pardon an illegal alien convicted child rapist so he can remain in our country is disgusting," Bis commented. "These are the criminal illegal aliens he and his Minnesota sanctuary politicians are protecting."
Regarding the federal action, a federal official, identified as Rubio, commented on the deportation:
"That's why I terminated his legal status in the United States," Rubio stated. "Vang has now been removed from our country and will never pose a threat to any American ever again."
Tou Lue Vang's Background and Legal Proceedings
Tou Lue Vang initially entered the United States through California in 1994, subsequently receiving legal status during the Clinton administration. His criminal actions occurred between 2002 and 2004 in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim, beginning when she was in the fourth grade.
Following his conviction for these offenses, federal authorities confirmed that Vang's legal status was revoked, leading to a final removal order being issued against him.
The Minnesota Clemency Review Commission initially recommended a pardon for Vang. This recommendation was then considered and subsequently granted by the Board of Pardons. The board comprises Governor Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson.