The governor just stopped ICE from deporting a man who paid for his crime decades ago.
Governor Tim Walz pardoned Jai Vang to stop federal agents from sending him back to Laos.
Imagine turning your life around after a huge mistake, only to have federal agents knock on your door decades later.
WHAT HAPPENED
In 1994, an 18-year-old Jai Vang helped with an armed robbery in Minnesota. He served his time in prison and was released back into his town.
Since then, Vang stayed out of trouble. He started a family and opened a local painting business. But in January, federal immigration agents arrested him.
When Governor Tim Walz heard that Vang faced being sent to Laos, he called a special meeting. The state pardon board voted to pardon Vang so he could stay.
What the evidence shows
- Jai Vang was 18 years old when he was convicted of armed robbery in 1994.
- He served his full prison term and has not committed any crimes since.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Vang in January.
- The state board voted to pardon him to stop him from being sent away.
- Governor Walz mistakenly called Vang a "citizen" during the hearing.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
This case forces us to ask what starting over really means. If a person pays their debt to society and lives peacefully for 30 years, should their past still hurt them?
It also shows the clash between state leaders and federal rules. When local towns want to keep a neighbor, federal law often says no.
THE OTHER SIDE
Federal officials and critics argue that Vang broke the law and entered the country illegally. They say armed robbery is a serious crime that means he must leave.
While federal law is very clear, Vang's three decades of quiet life and support from state leaders make the case for mercy strong.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW
Because of the state pardon, Vang is safe from being sent away for now. He can stay in Minnesota with his family and run his business.
This choice will likely spark more debate over how the state handles immigration. Local leaders who fight federal sweeps see this as a big win.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
Will federal agents try to challenge the state pardon in court?
- How will this affect other people who face being sent away for old crimes?
- What steps will Vang take next to get permanent legal status?
Transparency notes
Published: May 29, 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.