Tim Walz Pardons Illegal Migrant Convicted of Armed Criminal Act

After learning that Vang had been taken into federal custody and was facing possible deportation, Gov. Tim Walz (D) moved quickly to intervene. When Vang sought clemency ahead of a scheduled June deportation, Walz convened a special session of Minnesota’s Clemency Review Commission to ensure the case was considered before federal authorities could complete the removal process. The commission – which included Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson – unanimously voted to grant Vang a pardon. In explaining the decision, commission members pointed to Vang’s record since his release from prison, noting that he had not committed any additional crimes, had built a family, and had established a local painting business, Fox noted.

Walz Calls Vang a ‘Critical Member of the Community’

During the hearing, Walz incorrectly referred to Vang as a