New details are emerging about why Gov. Tim Walz’s board of pardons gave clemency to a 42-year-old illegal immigrant convicted of repeatedly raping a child.
Documents reviewed by Fox News Digital show that while the two board members who voted against granting a pardon noted the serious nature of Tou Lue Vang’s offenses, the four who recommended a pardon each listed concerns about him being deported.
One commissioner, Zach Linstrom, who voted in favor of granting the pardon, wrote in his recommendation, “Very tough case but the kids not having a father is not in the best interest of society,” referring to Vang’s six children.
Artika Roller, another commissioner who voted in favor of the pardon, wrote, “The applicant stated the need for clemency related to immigration issues.
Following the recommendation, Walz’s Board of Pardons granted Vang a full pardon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio then revoked Vang’s legal status, allowing him to be deported despite the pardon.