A Minnesota man who was pardoned for a crime committed in the 1990s has been deported to Laos, drawing sharp criticism from advocates who argue the deportation undermines the spirit of the pardon. The man, identified as 47-year-old Kao Xiong, was removed from the United States on July 8, according to his family and immigration attorneys.
Pardon and Deportation
Xiong was convicted in 1996 for his role in a robbery, serving several years in prison. In 2022, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz granted him a pardon, noting Xiong's rehabilitation and contributions to his community. However, federal immigration authorities detained him shortly after his release, citing his status as a lawful permanent resident who had committed an aggravated felony. Despite the pardon, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) moved to deport him to Laos, a country he left as a child.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Advocates argue that the pardon should have prevented deportation. "A pardon is supposed to signify forgiveness and a second chance," said Sarah Johnson, an attorney with the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. "Instead, ICE ignored the governor's act of clemency and separated a man from his U.S. citizen wife and children." ICE officials stated that under federal law, a state pardon does not eliminate immigration consequences for crimes classified as aggravated felonies.
According to data from the Department of Homeland Security, over 10,000 lawful permanent residents with criminal convictions are deported annually, many after completing their sentences. Xiong's case highlights the tension between state clemency and federal immigration enforcement.
Impact on Family
Xiong's wife, Mai Yang, said she and their three children are devastated. "He is a good father and husband. He made a mistake decades ago and paid for it. Now our family is torn apart," she said. Xiong arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Laos in 1985 and had no ties to the country of his birth. He faces an uncertain future in Laos, where he does not speak the language fluently.
Calls for Reform
The case has reignited debate over immigration policies that fail to consider rehabilitation. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) called for a review of ICE's policies, stating, "When a governor issues a pardon, it should carry weight. We need a system that balances public safety with compassion." Meanwhile, immigration hardliners defended the deportation, arguing that federal law must be upheld.
As of now, Xiong is in Laos, with no clear path to return to the United States. His family is exploring legal options, including a request for humanitarian parole.
