Support ChongLy Scott Thao After Traumatic ICE Raid

On January 18, 2026, around 1:30 PM, our family experienced a traumatic and life-altering event that should never happen to anyone — especially not a United States citizen with NO criminal record.

ICE agents forcibly broke down the door of my brother-in-law, ChongLy Scott Thao, at his home in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Without showing a warrant or asking for identification, multiple armed agents entered the apartment, pointed guns at the family, and handcuffed ChongLy inside his own home. His 5-year-old grandson was napping on the sofa, woke up crying in fear, witnessing armed officers storm his home.

ChongLy was taken outside in freezing weather wearing only underwear and Crocs, placed into an SUV, and driven around for nearly an hour while being questioned. Only after fingerprinting and running his information did ICE confirm what should have been known from the start — he is a U.S. citizen and had NO criminal record. He was dropped back at home with no apology and no explanation.

Neighbors captured video and photos of the incident, which are now circulating on social media and corroborate what happened.

What makes this even more painful is ChongLy’s family history.

During the war in Laos, his mother, Nurse Choua Thao, helped a Lao woman deliver premature twins at great risk. The mother was unable to care for them. Choua took in the baby boy — ChongLy — while another nurse took in the baby girl. Choua raised her children with deep values of service, dignity, and responsibility, and she ensured all of them became naturalized U.S. citizens. She believed strongly in doing things the right way and in protecting life and family.

Nurse Choua Thao was a respected medical professional during the Secret War in Laos, trained through IVS, and served as head of the Samthong and Banson hospitals. She treated countless civilians and American soldiers, working closely with U.S. personnel, including Pop Buell and General Vang Pao. Her life was one of service, sacrifice, and loyalty.

She passed away on December 26, 2025, and our family is still actively mourning and preparing her memorial services scheduled for February 7–9, 2026, in Merced, California.

To have her son treated this way — dragged from his home, weapons pointed at him, in front of his family and a small child — while the family is still grieving her loss, is heartbreaking, unjust, and deeply traumatizing.

This is not about politics.

This is about basic human rights, due process, and accountability.

While ChongLy was not physically injured, the emotional and psychological harm has been profound. His daughter-in-law, who feared for her child’s safety, is deeply traumatized and now needs professional therapy. ChongLy also lives with severe psoriasis, a chronic condition that is significantly worsened by extreme stress. Since the incident, his health and emotional well-being have declined.

We are raising funds to help cover:

Legal fees to pursue accountability and protect ChongLy’s rights

Mental health therapy for ChongLy and his daughter-in-law

Medical care and treatment

Related costs as we navigate the aftermath of this traumatic event

To ensure accountability, we have filed complaints with the ACLU of Minnesota and the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and sent formal letters requesting investigation and oversight to:

Representative Liz Lee (DFL) – Minnesota House, District 67A

Senator Foung Hawj (DFL) – Minnesota Senate, District 67

Representative Betty McCollum (DFL) – U.S. House, District 4

Senator Amy Klobuchar (DFL) – United States Senate

Senator Tina Smith (DFL) – United States Senate

No family who has given so much should be treated this way.

No child should witness this.

And no U.S. citizen should ever be terrorized in their own home.

If you are able to give, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser so others can help.

Your support will help ChongLy and his family pursue justice, healing, and peace after a moment of fear they will never forget.

With gratitude,

Louansee Moua

On behalf of ChongLy Scott Thao Family