US Citizen Detained in Underwear by ICE

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An incident involving the detention of a US citizen by ICE agents without a warrant has ignited debates over federal overreach.

Story Highlights

A US citizen, ChongLy, was allegedly detained by ICE in his underwear and exposed to freezing conditions.
ICE agents reportedly entered his St. Paul home without a warrant.
This event is part of a broader surge in federal immigration enforcement.
Lawsuits have been filed against the federal government over these actions.

Alleged Overreach by ICE Agents

On a frigid January day in 2026, ChongLy, an elderly US citizen, found himself unexpectedly embroiled in a chilling ordeal. ICE agents reportedly entered his St. Paul, Minnesota home without a warrant. They allegedly took him outside in only his underwear and Crocs, exposing him to the severe winter cold. This incident, captured on video and aired by local news outlets, underscores growing concerns about federal overreach in immigration enforcement.

Under 8 U.S.C. § 1357, the legal framework guiding ICE operations, arrests of US citizens are restricted to specific circumstances involving direct observation of immigration offenses. The administrative warrants used by ICE lack judicial oversight and cannot authorize forced home entries. The incident with ChongLy, however, appears to defy these constraints, raising questions about the agency’s adherence to constitutional limits.

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Increasing Federal Presence in Minnesota

The backdrop to this incident is a significant surge in ICE operations in Minnesota, described by state officials as a “federal invasion.” This escalation follows the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier in January 2026, which sparked widespread protests. Reports indicate that ICE agents have been conducting raids with disproportionate force, with as many as 50 agents involved in a single arrest. This has led to increased tensions and legal challenges from state and local governments.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have been vocal critics of these actions. Ellison has termed it a “federal invasion,” while Frey has decried the “unconstitutional conduct” of ICE agents. Both leaders are part of a lawsuit filed against the federal government, seeking to halt what they see as an overreach of federal power that jeopardizes public safety and state sovereignty.

Legal and Social Implications

The implications of these actions are far-reaching. In the short term, they have incited fear and unrest among residents, particularly within Minnesota’s Latino and immigrant communities. Protests have erupted, with demonstrators facing tear gas and pepper spray from federal agents. In the long term, the lawsuits could set important legal precedents regarding the limits of ICE’s authority over US citizens.

Socially and politically, these events have sparked nationwide debates about immigration enforcement tactics and federal overreach. The economic disruptions from ongoing protests and raids are yet to be quantified, but the strain on community relations and trust in federal law enforcement is evident.

As this situation develops, it remains crucial for citizens and policymakers alike to scrutinize the balance between enforcing immigration laws and upholding constitutional rights. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked federal power.