Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Madel Withdraws, Citing Federal Immigration Enforcement Concerns

Chris Madel, a Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, has withdrawn from the state's gubernatorial race. He cited concerns over federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, stating he could no longer support the actions of national Republicans towards the state's citizens and would not be part of a party endorsing such policies. His withdrawal follows criticism of "Operation Metro Surge," a federal immigration initiative, and two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis.

Madel's Withdrawal and Stated Reasons

On Monday, Chris Madel, a Minneapolis lawyer who announced his gubernatorial bid in December, officially ended his campaign. He attributed his decision to his inability to support what he characterized as national Republicans' "stated retribution on the citizens of our state."

Madel asserted that the Republican Party's approach to immigration enforcement in Minnesota had made it "nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota."

Madel expressed initial support for the objectives of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) "Operation Metro Surge," which he stated was focused on true public safety threats. However, he contended that the operation had "expanded far beyond its stated focus," describing it as an "unmitigated disaster."

He claimed that United States citizens, particularly people of color, were living in fear and carrying papers to verify their citizenship. Madel also cited instances of Hispanic and Asian law enforcement officers allegedly being subjected to "pretextual stops" by ICE, stating:

"Driving while Hispanic is not a crime" and "Neither is driving while Asian."

He further argued that weaponizing criminal investigations against political opponents and conducting home raids based solely on civil warrants signed by a border patrol agent were unconstitutional.

Madel had previously represented Jonathan Ross, an ICE agent involved in one of the fatal shootings, and had initially stated that his legal counsel would not affect his political aspirations. He had pledged to prioritize law enforcement support during his campaign.

Context of Federal Operations and Fatal Incidents

"Operation Metro Surge" reportedly involved the deployment of approximately 3,000 federal agents in and around Minneapolis since December, leading to thousands of arrests. Madel stated these operations had resulted in "increased street level activity, community disruptions and complaints about tactics that affect the public trust." He highlighted difficulties faced by local police in balancing state directives (which prohibit assisting federal counterparts) with maintaining community safety and relationships.

Madel's decision follows two fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving federal agents:

• Renee Macklin Good: A 37-year-old U.S. citizen, Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer, later identified as Jonathan Ross, on January 7.
• Alex Pretti: A 37-year-old intensive care nurse and U.S. citizen, Pretti was killed by a federal agent during protests related to immigration actions. Administration officials described Pretti, who possessed a lawful permit to carry a handgun, as a "domestic terrorist" and maintained that federal agents acted in self-defense.

However, bystander videos and witness accounts reportedly contradict this argument, with a CNN video analysis indicating a federal immigration officer removed a gun from Pretti moments before officers fatally shot him. No verified evidence has emerged that Pretti brandished his handgun during the encounter.

Political Reactions and Calls for Investigation

The incidents have intensified political dispute between federal and state authorities regarding immigration laws and practices in Minnesota.

Several national Republicans have called for investigations into the federal actions:

• Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) emphasized the necessity of a "full joint federal and state investigation."
• Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) echoed calls for a federal-state probe.
• Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) called for a "comprehensive, independent investigation," stating that "ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties."
• Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) called for a "prioritized, transparent investigation."
• Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) urged "a full investigation into the tragedy."
• Representative Max Miller (R-Ohio) noted "serious unanswered questions about federal use of force in Minnesota."

Administration officials have also commented on the situation:
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration's objective of deporting individuals involved in criminal activity and lacking legal status. She acknowledged that no one in the White House wishes "to see people getting hurt or killed in America's streets," mentioning Renee Good, Alex Pretti, federal law enforcement, and victims of "illegal alien criminals."

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (R) expressed concern about the administration's handling of the situation in Minneapolis, suggesting President Trump was "getting bad advice." President Trump posted on Truth Social that he spoke with Governor Walz and that they "seemed to be on a similar wavelength" regarding efforts to reduce further violence in Minneapolis, indicating plans for future discussions.

Broader Gubernatorial Race Context

Madel was a political newcomer and had shown strong performance in unofficial party straw polls. The Minnesota gubernatorial race still features several GOP candidates, many of whom have not criticized the federal administration's ICE practices, with some continuing to express support.

In other political developments impacting the race:
Current Democratic Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek a third term following criticism from the White House regarding his oversight of alleged social service fraud in the state. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) has filed paperwork for a potential gubernatorial run but has not formally confirmed her candidacy, prioritizing efforts to address the presence of ICE agents in Minnesota.