MN clemency panel backs pardon for Lao refugee facing deportation
On Friday, August 7, 2026, the Minnesota Clemency Review Commission formally voted to recommend a pardon for La Thammavong, a Lao refugee facing deportation whom supporters say would likely die if removed.[1]
A Mayo Clinic doctor told the Commission Thammavong relies on more than a dozen post-transplant medications that are not available in Laos and that deportation would likely be a death sentence.[1] Commission members noted Thammavong has had a clean criminal record for the last 25 years after earlier convictions for assault, drug and theft in the 1990s and early 2000s.[1]
Thammavong was convicted of assault, drug and theft offenses in the 1990s and early 2000s, but immigration authorities later moved to deport him.[1] ICE escalated his case after his wife recorded agents during Operation Metro Surge, and an agent told her she had "aided" his deportation and called him "threat level 1." FOX 9
The government recently won an appeal that pauses any deportation proceedings until at least July while the pardon process plays out.[1] Advocates warned a pardon may not stop removal, pointing to Tou Vang, who was deported to Laos in July despite having received a pardon.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, August 7, 2026, the Minnesota Clemency Review Commission formally voted to recommend a pardon for La Thammavong.
- A Mayo Clinic doctor told the Commission that Thammavong relies on more than a dozen post‑transplant medications that are not available in Laos and that deportation would likely be a death sentence.
- Thammavong has had a clean criminal record for the last 25 years after earlier assault, drug and theft convictions in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- ICE escalated his case after his wife recorded agents during Operation Metro Surge; an agent told her she had “aided” in his deportation and labeled him “threat level 1.”
- The government recently won an appeal that delays any deportation until at least July while the pardon process plays out.
- The report cites the precedent of Tou Vang, who was deported to Laos in July despite having received a pardon, underscoring that a pardon does not guarantee protection from removal.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
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- The Minnesota Clemency Review Commission has formally voted to recommend a pardon for La Thammavong.
- A Mayo Clinic doctor told the Commission Thammavong relies on more than a dozen post‑transplant medications that are not available in Laos and that deportation would likely be a death sentence.
- Thammavong has had a clean criminal record for the last 25 years after earlier assault, drug and theft convictions in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- ICE escalated his case after his wife recorded agents during Operation Metro Surge; an agent told her she had "aided" in his deportation and labeled him "threat level 1."
- The government has recently won an appeal that delays any deportation until at least July, while the pardon process plays out.
- The story notes the precedent of Tou Vang, who was deported to Laos in July despite having received a pardon, underscoring that a pardon does not guarantee protection from removal.