Kong Vang kept his door locked and his camera rolling when federal agents knocked on his St. Paul home, and the video has exploded across Facebook with more than 400,000 views.
At a Glance
- Kong Vang refused to open his door for federal agents who arrived unannounced while he worked from home
- The 1.5-minute encounter left him fearing family separation despite all household members being U.S. citizens
- Vang posted the footage to warn others, saying immigrant communities far beyond the expected Somali focus now feel targeted
- Why it matters: The clip amplifies growing anxiety among citizens of color about unexplained federal visits
The incident unfolded Monday afternoon in the Frogtown neighborhood. Vang’s mother alerted him that someone was outside; suspecting ICE, he began recording before approaching the door.
In the footage, Vang tells the agents, “We’re not opening the door,” and, “You’re trespassing.” He demanded an explanation that never came. After roughly 90 seconds, the agents left without revealing why they had arrived.
Vang told News Of Losangeles partner FOX 9 KMSP that the experience triggered a wave of emotions. “I’m upset. Frustrated. Scared. All types of emotions,” he said.
The 33-year-old lives with his parents, his sister, and his young son. His parents fled Laos in the 1970s and later became naturalized citizens; everyone in the home holds U.S. citizenship. Still, Vang feared opening the door could spiral into detention or deportation. “I was afraid they were going to take me away,” he said, adding he worried they could “take my mom away” as well.
He also feared a forced entry. “I worried they could rush our house,” he told the outlet, even though he believes his family has done nothing wrong.
A Broader Climate of Fear
Vang said the unexplained visit felt like part of a larger pattern. “I was really curious and wondering why they were here,” he recalled, voicing concern that authorities have been “targeting a lot of people of color.”
Federal immigration activity had been expected to focus on the Somali community, according to previous local coverage. Vang’s encounter signaled to him that anxiety is now rippling through other immigrant groups. “They keep on telling you that they think they’re doing the right thing,” he said, “but they’re not.”
Why He Shared the Video
Posting the clip, Vang wrote, was about more than documenting a tense moment. He wants neighbors and strangers alike to understand their rights and prepare for similar knocks. The footage, he hopes, will encourage others to ask questions, keep records, and refuse entry when agents decline to state a clear purpose.
Since the upload, commenters across Facebook have praised his calm refusal and echoed his call for vigilance. The 400,000-plus views continue climbing as local activists share the post alongside know-your-rights guides.
Neither News Of Losangeles nor FOX 9 KMSP received immediate responses from federal agencies when asked for comment on the visit.
Key Takeaways
- Vang’s standoff lasted about 90 seconds and ended without entry or arrest
- All residents in the home are U.S. citizens, yet fear of family separation drove his refusal
- The viral spread highlights heightened concern among citizens of color amid immigration enforcement activity
