Gov. Walz Pardons Jai Vang to Avoid Deportation to Laos

EXCERPT:

WALZ: “I would note that immigration status or pending deportation is not a reason in and of itself for the granting of a pardon, but in Mr. Vang's case, I would state this, that 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. I do not see how it would serve his family and the stability of his family, nor the economic interests of Minnesota where we have a taxpaying citizen who is creating job growth and living a life free from any criminal activity. So I would ask if there's no further questions, I will ask each member of the board to state the motion on granting of the pardon to Mr. Vang. Chief Justice Hudson, how do you vote?"
HUDSON: "I vote aye."
WALZ: "Attorney General Ellison, how do you vote?"
ELLISON: "I vote aye."
WALZ: " And I, Governor Walz, vote to grant this pardon. Jai Vang, your pardon has been granted.”