The Minnesota Board of Pardons’ decision to grant clemency to an illegal immigrant with multiple assault convictions has drawn sharp criticism from federal officials, who argue it undermines deportation efforts.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: The Minnesota Board of Pardons, including Governor Tim Walz (D) and Attorney General Keith Ellison (D), unanimously voted to pardon Xayasounethone Chandee, an illegal immigrant from Laos with multiple assault convictions, to prevent his imminent deportation. Chandee had been convicted of assault in 1992 and two felony counts of aggravated assault with a weapon in 2008, leading to the loss of his immigration status. 📍 WHEN & WHERE: The pardon was granted during an emergency meeting on Monday, ahead of a deportation effort scheduled for this week. 📺 DETAIL: Minnesota officials reportedly convened an emergency pardon meeting after learning federal authorities planned to deport Chandee this week. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) condemned the decision, with Acting Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Lauren Bis calling it “absolute insanity.” Chandee’s attorney have disputed the existence of a 2008 conviction. Federal authorities may challenge the pardon in court. A federal appeals court has temporarily paused Chandee’s deportation for 14 days while the legal battle continues. 💬 KEY QUOTE: “Minnesota’s sanctuary politicians’ pardon took away this violent thug’s qualifying convictions that made him removable from the U.S.,” said Acting Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Lauren Bis. 🎯 IMPACT: The pardon removes the legal grounds for Chandee’s deportation and has prompted federal authorities to consider challenging the decision. 📺 FLASHBACK: In 1995, an immigration judge ordered Chandee’s deportation following his 1992 assault conviction. His 2008 felony convictions further solidified his status as deportable under federal law. |
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.
