Minnesota Board Pardons Man Convicted of Sexual Assault

The Minnesota Board of Pardons has granted a pardon to a man convicted of sexually assaulting a child, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from federal immigration officials who say it will shield him from deportation. The three-member board, consisting of Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, unanimously granted the pardon to Tou Lue Vang on June 10.

Vang, a 42-year-old Laos national, was convicted in 2005 of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for repeatedly assaulting a girl beginning when she was 10 years old. He pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement that resulted in no prison time and a sentence of 30 years of probation. According to court documents, Vang initially told police his actions were a "minor thing" and referenced cultural norms, though he later expressed regret.

The pardon restores Vang's civil rights and provides a clean criminal record. Officials stated the decision followed an exhaustive review process that included a recommendation from the Minnesota Clemency Review Commission, numerous community support letters, and a statement from the victim. In an unsigned statement provided to the board, the...