A Laotian national named Tou Lue Vang was convicted in 2004 of repeatedly raping a 10-year-old girl in Minnesota.
Vang pleaded guilty to the offenses, received no prison time, and was placed in removal proceedings that resulted in a final order of removal.
In early July, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz granted Vang a pardon, effectively shielding him from the pending deportation order.
Department of Homeland Security officials expressed concern that the pardon eliminated the legal basis for Vang’s removal.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Department of Homeland Security revoked Vang’s legal status and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement took him into custody.
Federal agents subsequently removed Vang from the United States, ending his presence in the country.
The case highlights ongoing debate over the application of executive clemency in immigration and criminal justice matters.
