Madison Sheahan, the deputy director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is stepping down from her role. She announced her resignation internally on Thursday morning. Sheahan plans to run for Congress in Ohio's 9th Congressional District.
Sheahan Targets Long-Serving Democrat
Sheahan aims to unseat Democrat Marcy Kaptur, who currently represents the district. Kaptur holds the record as the longest-serving woman in Congress. Sheahan's campaign website is already active, outlining her platform.
Timing Amid ICE Controversies
Her departure comes at a sensitive time for ICE. The agency faces heavy criticism following a fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. That incident sparked protests and renewed debate about ICE's use of force.
In another recent event in Minneapolis, a federal officer shot a man in the leg. The officer was attacked with a shovel during an arrest attempt. These incidents have fueled high tensions in the city, adding pressure on ICE operations.
Sheahan's Background and Career
Madison Sheahan graduated from Ohio State University. She was a member of the women's rowing team during her time there. She earned a bachelor's degree in public affairs with a focus on public management, leadership, policy, and agribusiness.
She also completed minors in community and business leadership. Before joining ICE as deputy director, Sheahan served as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. In that role, she oversaw a substantial $280 million budget.
She led a team of over 800 employees across wildlife, fisheries, and enforcement divisions. At ICE, Sheahan managed the agency's day-to-day operations. She was responsible for leading more than 20,000 employees.
This workforce included over 6,800 criminal investigators in Homeland Security Investigations. It also included 6,000 officers in Enforcement and Removal Operations. Details about her personal life remain limited and are not widely available online.
Campaign Platform and Statements
Sheahan's campaign website carries a bold message: "No Excuses. Let's Get It Done." The site describes her as a former ICE deputy director fighting to protect American jobs, paychecks, and values in Ohio's 9th District.
In a statement, Sheahan criticized the current representation. "For too long, Northwest Ohio has been represented by a career politician who has grown comfortable with the swamp and disconnected from the people back home," she said.
She clarified her motivation for running. "I am running because President Trump deserves a Congress that stands firmly behind his agenda, and Ohio deserves an elected Representative that will make America safer, more affordable, and more prosperous."
Political Context and Timing
Sheahan joined ICE in March, a period when the Trump administration was ramping up actions to curb immigration. President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem were actively pushing stricter immigration policies at that time.
Her decision to enter politics now aligns with ongoing national debates about immigration enforcement and border security. The race in Ohio's 9th District is likely to attract significant attention given these broader issues.
