County officials review whether ICE’s warrantless raid and forced transport of a St Paul US citizen broke law

Authorities in Minnesota are investigating the detention by federal immigration officers of a US citizen as a possible kidnapping, burglary and false imprisonment.

The arrest of ChongLy “Scott” Thao, 56, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in January became symbolic of Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s brutal crackdown in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul.

It came the same month as American anti-ICE protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti were shot and killed by government agents.

Masked ICE officers broke down the door of Thao’s house in St Paul – without a warrant, according to his family – and dragged him into the street in his underwear while he clutched a blanket in sub-freezing conditions.