Minnesota Republican Candidate Withdraws, Cites ICE Operations

A prominent Republican candidate for governor of Minnesota, Chris Madel, announced his withdrawal from the race on January 26, 2026. Madel cited the “unmitigated disaster” of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the state as the primary reason for his decision. In a video shared on X, Madel expressed his concerns about the impact of ICE’s actions on the citizens of Minnesota.

Madel, a Minneapolis-based attorney, stated, “I cannot support the … stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so.” He highlighted that many U.S. citizens are now required to carry documentation proving their citizenship, which he described as fundamentally wrong.

His law firm, Madel PA, previously provided legal counsel to Jonathan Ross, the ICE officer involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7, 2026, which sparked significant protests in Minneapolis. While Madel has advocated for the deportation of undocumented immigrants who commit serious crimes, he criticized ICE’s Operation Metro Surge for expanding beyond its intended focus on genuine public safety threats.

Madel argued that the current political climate surrounding these operations has made it nearly impossible for a Republican candidate to succeed in a statewide election. He emphasized the need for accountability and integrity in the political process, stating, “At the end of the day, I have to look my daughters in the eye and tell them: ‘I believe I did what was right.’ And I am doing that today.”

Reaction from Political Opponents

In the wake of Madel’s announcement, the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party called on other Republicans to distance themselves from the actions of former President Donald Trump. Chair Richard Carlbom issued a statement asking, “Will other Republicans finally stand up to Trump and stand with their fellow Minnesotans? Or will they put their political careers first and foremost while their neighbors suffer?”

Madel also expressed support for local law enforcement, acknowledging their difficult position in navigating federal orders amidst ongoing protests. His departure from the race has sparked conversations about the future of the Republican Party in Minnesota and its stance on immigration enforcement.

As the political landscape evolves, Madel’s decision raises important questions about the direction of the party and the implications of federal immigration policies on local communities. With tensions rising around immigration issues, this development signals a critical moment for Minnesota Republicans as they reassess their priorities and strategies moving forward.