Minnesota’s Republican gubernatorial candidate dropped out of the race on Monday (Jan. 26), sharply criticizing President Donald Trump’s immigration operation in the state.
Chris Madel, the attorney representing the immigration officer who fatally shot Renee Good earlier this month, announced his withdrawal in a video posted on social media platform X, citing constitutional concerns and growing fear among US citizens.
Madel said he supports deporting the “worst of the worst” criminals, but argued that the Trump administration’s enforcement actions in the Twin Cities have gone far beyond that goal.
“I cannot support the national Republicans’ declared retaliation against the citizens of our state,” Madel said. “I can’t even count myself as a member of a party that would do that.”
He added that the federal operation made it nearly impossible for Republicans to compete statewide in Minnesota.
“National Republicans have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota,” Madel said, calling himself a political “pragmatist.”
Fear among US citizens
Madel said American citizens — especially people of color — are increasingly living in fear amid aggressive immigration enforcement.
“United States citizens carry documents to prove their citizenship,” he said. “That’s wrong.
He said he has personally heard from Asian and Hispanic police officers who have been stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and claimed that many American citizens have been detained based on their appearance.
“I have read and spoken to countless United States citizens who have been detained in Minnesota because of the color of their skin,” Madel said.
Constitutional concerns about raids
Madel also criticized federal agents for conducting home raids using civil immigration warrants instead of warrants issued by judges.
“It is unconstitutional and wrong for federal officers to raid homes based on a civil warrant,” he said.
Shooting will encourage resistance
Madel’s decision comes amid mounting political pressure following two fatal shootings involving federal immigration officials in Minneapolis.
ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, on Jan. 7, just days after the Trump administration sent thousands of federal officers to Minnesota. Over the weekend, a US Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, a US citizen and ICU nurse, during a protest in Minneapolis.
Republicans, including some normally associated with Trump, have since called for an investigation into federal immigration tactics in the state.
Legal role in Good shooting
Madel agreed to provide pro bono legal advice to Ross, although no criminal charges or civil lawsuits were filed. He said he was honored to assist the officer, even during an active gubernatorial campaign.
“Justice requires excellent legal representation,” Madel said.
A crowded governor’s race
Madel was among several Republicans seeking to replace Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who dropped his re-election bid earlier this month. Other Republican candidates include MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, former state Sen. Scott Jensen and state Rep. Kristin Robbins.
For the Democratic Party, US Senator Amy Klobuchar has filed papers to run, but has not yet formally launched her campaign.
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