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. During the hearing, Walz incorrectly referred to Vang as a “citizen.”
He said Vang has become a “critical member of the community” since his release from prison. “I can find no reason how Minnesota will be safer or better if Mr. Vang is deported to a country he has not been to since he was a child,” Walz said. “I do not see how it would serve his family, nor the economic interest where we have a taxpaying citizen who is creating job growth and living a life free from any criminal activity,” Walz said. Ellison, who participated by phone, said he had reviewed Vang’s case file and agreed with the commission members who supported granting clemency.
