Gov. Tim Walz's board of pardons has granted a full pardon to a 42-year-old Laotian national convicted of repeatedly raping a child, citing immigration concerns as the reason.
The pardon was awarded to Tue Lue Vang following a 4-2 vote by the Minnesota Clemency Review Commission, which reviewed documents and heard testimony from various parties involved in the case.
Vang was convicted of criminal sexual conduct and admitted to raping a girl over a multi-year period beginning when she was 10 years old. The abuse took place in St. Paul, Minnesota, in Ramsey County.
Despite the seriousness of the offense, several commissioners recommended granting a pardon due to Vang's immigration concerns. Commissioner Zach Linstrom wrote that "the kids not having a father is not in the best interest of society," while Artika Roller noted that "the applicant stated the need for clemency related to immigration issues."
The pardon was awarded on June 10, essentially giving Vang a clean slate as he was set to be deported. However, his future remains uncertain, as the U.S. Secretary of State has since terminated his legal status in the country.
Vang entered the U.S. through California in 1994 and was granted legal status by the Clinton administration. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison following his conviction, but his sentence was stayed in favor of 30 years of supervised probation, which included one year of local confinement.
During his probation, Vang served eight months at the county correctional workhouse and was discharged early in 2019. Despite his early discharge, several commissioners noted that the victim supported a pardon for Vang in their reasons for their recommendation.
Commissioner Nadine Graves wrote that "the victim supports this pardon" and that Vang's wife had forgiven him. Graves also noted that Vang had shown remorse for his actions and was facing deportation.
However, others have spoken out against the pardon, including Ramsey County Assistant Attorney Tami McConkey, who recommended against granting it. McConkey noted that there were several aggravating factors in the case, including Vang's abuse of the victim over an extended period of time and his failure to use sexual protection.
The case has sparked controversy, with some arguing that Vang's immigration status should not be a factor in his pardon. Others have spoken out against the pardon, citing the seriousness of the offense and the need for accountability.
The U.S. Secretary of State has since stepped in to terminate Vang's legal status in the country, and he has been removed to his home country of Laos. The case remains a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges surrounding immigration and the justice system.
Vang's pardon has also raised questions about the role of immigration concerns in the pardon process. While some argue that immigration status should be a factor in determining eligibility for a pardon, others argue that it should not be a consideration.
The case is a stark reminder of the need for clear and consistent guidelines when it comes to pardons and immigration status. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the complexities of this case will have lasting implications for the justice system and the country at large.
