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NewsThe Daily WireMay 7, 2026United States

Minnesota Board of Pardons Grants Pardon to Prevent Deportation of Resident

The Minnesota Board of Pardons, led by Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, unanimously voted to pardon Xayasounethone Chandee, a move intended to block his pending deportation by federal immigration authorities. The decision follows a recommendation from the Clemency Review Commission and comes amid conflicting reports regarding the individual's criminal record.

immigrationcriminal justicepardonsdeportationMinnesota state government
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Why It Matters

The pardon removes the criminal convictions that federal authorities were using as the legal basis for the individual's deportation, directly impacting federal immigration enforcement efforts in the state.

Key Facts

  • The Minnesota Board of Pardons voted unanimously to grant a pardon to Xayasounethone Chandee.
  • The pardon was granted to prevent the federal government from deporting Chandee based on his criminal record.
  • DHS reports Chandee has convictions for assault in 1992 and aggravated assault with a weapon in 2008.
  • Chandee's attorney, Linus Chan, disputes the existence of the 2008 conviction.
  • The Clemency Review Commission voted 6-0 to recommend the pardon.
  • The Board of Pardons held an emergency meeting on Monday to expedite the decision before a potential deportation.
  • A federal appeals court in Louisiana has issued a 14-day stay on Chandee's deportation.
  • Chandee originally entered the U.S. as a minor with a Green Card but lost his status due to criminal convictions.
  • The federal government is expected to challenge the validity of the state pardon.

Who's Mentioned

personLauren Bis“Acting Assistant Homeland Security Secretary.”organizationMinnesota Board of Pardons“State board that voted to grant the pardon.”personKeith Ellison“Attorney General of Minnesota and member of the Board of Pardons.”personLinus Chan“Attorney representing Xayasounethone Chandee.”personXayasounethone Chandee“The individual granted the pardon.”personNatalie Hudson“Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice and member of the Board of Pardons.”organizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Federal agency overseeing deportation efforts.”personTim Walz“Governor of Minnesota and member of the Board of Pardons.”