In a significant political development, Republican candidate Chris Madel announced his withdrawal from the Minnesota gubernatorial race on Monday, January 26, delivering sharp criticism of President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement operations in the state.
Constitutional Concerns and Political Pragmatism
Madel, an attorney who represents the immigration officer involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good earlier this month, revealed his decision through a video posted on social media platform X. He cited profound constitutional concerns and the growing climate of fear among United States citizens as primary reasons for his exit from the political contest.
"I cannot support the national Republicans' stated retribution on the citizens of our state," Madel declared emphatically. "Nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so."
While expressing support for deporting what he termed "the worst of the worst" criminals, Madel argued that the Trump administration's enforcement actions in the Twin Cities metropolitan area had dramatically exceeded this objective. He positioned himself as a political pragmatist, asserting that the federal operation had created insurmountable obstacles for Republican candidates seeking statewide office in Minnesota.
Growing Fear Among American Citizens
The candidate painted a troubling picture of American citizens, particularly people of color, living under constant apprehension due to aggressive immigration enforcement measures. "United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship," Madel observed. "That's wrong."
He shared disturbing accounts from his personal interactions, including conversations with Asian and Hispanic law enforcement officers who had been stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Madel further claimed that numerous United States citizens had been detained solely based on their physical appearance, stating he had "read about and spoken to countless United States citizens who have been detained in Minnesota due to the color of their skin."
Constitutional Violations in Home Raids
Madel leveled serious constitutional criticisms against federal immigration authorities for conducting home raids using civil immigration warrants rather than judicial warrants issued by judges. "It is unconstitutional and wrong for federal officers to raid homes using a civil warrant," he asserted, highlighting what he views as fundamental violations of constitutional protections.
Political Fallout from Fatal Shootings
Madel's withdrawal coincides with mounting political pressure following two fatal shootings involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis. On January 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three children. This incident occurred just days after the Trump administration deployed thousands of federal officers to Minnesota as part of its immigration enforcement initiative.
Over the preceding weekend, a United States Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, a United States citizen who worked as an ICU nurse, during a protest in Minneapolis. These incidents have prompted calls for investigations into federal immigration tactics from Republicans, including some who typically align with President Trump's policies.
Legal Representation Amid Political Campaign
Despite his political withdrawal, Madel confirmed he has agreed to provide pro bono legal advice to ICE agent Jonathan Ross, though no criminal charges or civil lawsuits have been filed in connection with the Good shooting. "Justice requires excellent legal representation," Madel explained, noting he felt honored to assist the officer even during his active gubernatorial campaign.
Crowded Field in Minnesota's Gubernatorial Race
Madel had been among several Republican contenders seeking to replace Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who abandoned his reelection bid earlier this month. The Republican field remains crowded with notable figures including MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, former state senator Scott Jensen, and state Representative Kristin Robbins.
On the Democratic side, United States Senator Amy Klobuchar has filed preliminary paperwork to enter the race but has not yet formally launched her campaign. The political landscape in Minnesota continues to evolve as candidates position themselves ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
