In a recent incident reported by the Times of India and corroborated by multiple credible news outlets, U.S. citizen Chongly "Scott" Thao, an elderly Hmong-American man, was forcibly removed from his home in St. Paul, Minnesota, by federal immigration agents without a judicial warrant. Thao recounted being woken by agents banging on his door on Sunday, January 19, 2026, and despite his instruction not to open, agents allegedly broke down the door. Masked agents reportedly pointed guns at Thao and his family, then handcuffed him and led him out in only underwear, sandals, and a blanket, as his 4-year-old grandson watched. Videos captured the scene, showing neighbors protesting the agents' actions with horns and shouts. Thao stated that agents initially prevented him from retrieving his identification. He was driven "to the middle of nowhere" for questioning and fingerprinting before being returned home an hour or two later after agents confirmed his U.S. citizenship and lack of criminal record. He claims agents left without apologizing for the detention or the broken door. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that ICE was conducting a targeted operation for two convicted sex offenders and that Thao matched a description of the targets and refused to be fingerprinted. However, Thao's family disputes DHS's justification, asserting he does not live with or know the individuals DHS referenced. Thao plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, citing a profound emotional and psychological impact, and now feels unsafe in his own home. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about ICE's enforcement tactics and civil liberties, particularly regarding warrantless entries and the detention of U.S. citizens.