Minnesota officials pardoned a man convicted of assaulting a child to stop his deportation.
The decision by Governor Tim Walz and other state leaders lets Tou Lue Vang stay in the country.
Lede
When a community trusts its leaders to protect them, a single decision can shake that trust to its core.
What Happened
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other top state officials pardoned a 42-year-old man named Tou Lue Vang. Vang was convicted in 2006 for repeatedly assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
Because of his crime, the federal government took away his legal status. He was set to be sent back to Laos. This new pardon wipes his record clean, which helps him fight to stay in the United States.
The pardon came after a state board voted on his case. Four members voted yes, two voted no, and three did not show up. Governor Walz and two other top state officials made the final decision.
Fact Box
- Year of conviction: 2006
- Age of victim: 10 years old
- Key officials who signed the pardon: Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Chief Justice Natalie Hudson
- Vang's entry year to US: 1994
- Pardon vote count: 4 yes, 2 no, 3 absent
Why It Matters
This decision has started a major debate about safety and forgiveness. Critics say the state is protecting dangerous people from federal immigration laws. They feel this puts children at risk.
Supporters argue that Vang has spent years changing his life. They believe people who do the work to reform should get a second chance to stay with their families.
What Happens Next
Federal immigration officials will have to review Vang's case now that his conviction is gone. It is not yet clear if federal agents will find other ways to deport him.
Local politicians will likely keep debating Minnesota's rules on pardons. Some lawmakers want to make it harder for people convicted of violent crimes to get cleared.
What We Still Don't Know
- How does the victim feel about the decision to pardon her abuser?
- Will federal officials try to challenge this pardon in court?
- Will this decision lead to changes in how the state grants pardons?
Transparency notes
Published: Jul 2, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.