Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is facing criticism after the Minnesota Clemency Review Commission granted a pardon to an illegal immigrant convicted of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl, a decision that drew condemnation from the Department of Homeland Security and renewed attention to the state's handling of criminal illegal immigrants, as reported by The New York Post.

The pardon was approved during the commission's June 10 meeting. The Minnesota Clemency Review Commission is led by Walz, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minnesota Chief Justice Natalie Hudson.

The pardon was granted to Tou Lue Vang, a 42-year-old Laotian national who had been expected to face deportation proceedings.

.@GovTimWalz and Minnesota sanctuary politicians PARDONED an illegal alien who REPEATEDLY SEXUALLY ASSAULTED A 10-YEAR-OLD.

On June 10, the Minnesota Board of Pardons voted to grant Tou Lue Vang, from Laos, a pardon for his 2006 convictions for sexual assault—strongarm sodomy… pic.twitter.com/RErAWX2sp6— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 1, 2026

Following the commission's decision, CRC Executive Director Carli Stark sent Vang a letter informing him that his request had been approved.

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“Being granted a pardon is a notable achievement and a reflection of the work you have done since your conviction,” Stark wrote.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Vang repeatedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl between 2002 and 2006. DHS said he at one point offered the victim $10 to remain silent.

Authorities arrested Vang in 2005. According to a report by The New York Times cited in the original reporting, Vang admitted to the assaults after his arrest, referring to them as a "minor thing" and attributing his actions to cultural norms in Thailand, where he was born in a refugee camp in 1983.

Vang was convicted in 2006 of first-degree criminal sexual conduct after pleading guilty. According to the report, the plea agreement spared him from serving a prison sentence.

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The Department of Homeland Security said Vang entered the United States through California in 1994 as a child after receiving legal status during the Clinton administration.

According to DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis, those protections were later revoked following his 2006 conviction, making him subject to removal from the United States.

Last year, federal authorities detained Vang in Minnesota during President Donald Trump's "Operation Metro Surge," an immigration enforcement operation conducted in the state.

The pardon has generated sharp criticism from federal officials.

“Governor Tim Walz’s decision to pardon an illegal alien convicted child rapist so he can remain in our country is disgusting,” DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement.

She added:

“These are the criminal illegal aliens he and his Minnesota sanctuary politicians are protecting.”

According to the report, the nine-member Minnesota Clemency Review Commission initially voted on Vang's petition in April. Four members voted in favor of granting the pardon, two voted against it, and three members were absent.

Ahead of the commission's vote, Vang submitted a letter describing his rehabilitation efforts and stating that he had accepted responsibility for his actions.

The pardon comes as Walz continues to face scrutiny over Minnesota's immigration policies.

President Donald Trump has previously criticized Walz, who served as former Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate during the 2024 presidential election, over the state's sanctuary policies involving illegal immigrants, including those convicted of violent crimes.

Earlier this year, Walz also announced that he would not seek a third term as Minnesota governor in the 2026 election despite having won reelection in 2022 by an eight-point margin.

DISGUSTING.

Tim Walz pardoned an illegal alien who sexually abused a 10-year-old child for YEARS and tried to pay her $10 to stay quiet.TOU LUE VANG: "It is a cultural thing in Thailand to marry and have sex with girls as young as 12."This is who Democrats protect. pic.twitter.com/PrW6lvXDzl— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 2, 2026

The Minnesota Clemency Review Commission's decision has placed renewed attention on the state's clemency process as federal officials continue to criticize the pardon and its potential impact on immigration enforcement.

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