A St. Paul woman says her life has changed after ICE detained her without explanation, even though she entered the United States legally and is waiting for her green card. Thi Dua Vang, a mother of three, returned to Minnesota on January 23 after nearly two weeks in federal detention. Although an immigration judge released her on bond, her family says ICE agents have returned to their home three times since then, leaving them scared and uncertain.
A Lawful Arrival and Thi Dua Vang’s Sudden Detention
Thi Dua Vang legally entered the United States in December 2023 after years of hardship as a refugee. She and her family fled Vietnam decades ago because they were persecuted for being Christian. According to relatives, several family members were punished and imprisoned for their faith, including her brother Wa Chi Minh Vang.
After leaving Vietnam, the family lived in Thailand for more than seven years as undocumented refugees. During that time, they faced constant uncertainty, limited rights, and fear of being forced to leave. Being granted asylum in the United States gave them hope for a safer and more stable life.
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Thi Dua Vang settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband, A Pao Giang, and their three sons. She applied for a green card, found a job, and began rebuilding her life.
That sense of security ended on January 8. Vang said six ICE agents came to her home after her son opened the door, unaware of who they were. Because she speaks Hmong, her brother helped translate. She said agents did not clearly explain why she was being detained.
Despite being in the country legally, Vang was taken into custody and transferred to detention centers in Texas, including facilities in El Paso and Houston. During her detention, she feared she was being deported back to Vietnam and said she was removed from a plane at the last moment.
“I was scared and worried about my children,” Vang said through an interpreter. Her husband said she had done nothing wrong and called the arrest unjust.
Release on Bond and a Painful Return Home
After nearly two weeks in detention, an immigration judge ordered Vang released on bond. Her brother and husband drove to Texas to bring her home.
Even her release was difficult. Vang said she was let out at night and had to wait nearly three hours outside in an unfamiliar city until her family arrived.
“When I saw my husband and brother, I was very happy,” she said. “I finally got to be back with my family.”
Vang returned to Minnesota on January 23. Community members helped the family by bringing fresh food and offering support. However, daily activities like grocery shopping have become overwhelming.
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Vang says she is afraid to leave the house. She lost her job because of the detention, and the family says their youngest son is now attending school online because they do not feel safe.
Five days after returning home, Vang was required to check in with ICE. After that check-in, she was allowed to go home. According to her family, she is required to check in with ICE once a year.
Despite following those rules, the family says ICE agents have returned to their home three times since her release and attempted to make contact. They say they do not understand why the visits continue. Each knock on the door brings back fear and memories of her detention.
Ongoing Fear and Community Support
Since her release, Vang says she lives in constant fear and worries about being separated from her children again.
“I worry every day,” she said. “I think about my kids all the time.”
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Her husband says the experience has shaken the entire family. They came to the United States seeking safety and freedom, but now live with anxiety and uncertainty.
KARE 11 has contacted the Department of Homeland Security to ask why ICE continues to visit the family’s home and is awaiting a response.
Supporters have set up a GoFundMe to help cover living costs and attorney fees as the family recovers from the emotional and financial impact of the detention.