New Delhi, July 11 -- The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Tou Lue Vang, a Lao national who had been pardoned by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz despite a previous conviction for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.

According to DHS, Vang was removed from the United States after his legal status was terminated following the pardon.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Vang's deportation was necessary to protect public safety.

"Just weeks ago, a foreign child rapist was freed to once again endanger America's children after receiving a pardon from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz," Rubio said.

He added that Vang had admitted to "heinous crimes" against a 10-yea...