Summary: Chris Madel, a Republican attorney and candidate for Minnesota governor, has withdrawn from the race, citing concerns over federal immigration enforcement actions in the state. His decision comes amid heightened tensions following fatal encounters between federal agents and protesters.
Background on Chris Madel’s Campaign
Chris Madel, a Minneapolis-based lawyer known for his defense of law enforcement, launched his campaign for governor in December as a political outsider. He was one of several candidates vying for the Republican nomination and had received an endorsement from the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis.
Madel gained recent attention for representing Jonathan Ross, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a Minneapolis resident. The incident, part of a broader federal operation known as Operation Metro Surge, has sparked protests and controversy across Minnesota.
Criticism of ICE and Federal Actions
In a video statement posted to social media, Madel announced the end of his campaign and delivered a pointed critique of both the national Republican Party and federal immigration authorities. He expressed concern over what he described as the expansion of Operation Metro Surge beyond its original public safety goals, stating, “United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear. United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That’s wrong.”
Madel also condemned the Department of Homeland Security for entering homes without criminal warrants and highlighted reports of U.S. citizens being detained by ICE due to their appearance. He stated, “Driving while Hispanic is not a crime. Neither is driving while Asian.”
Recent Fatal Incidents and Political Fallout
Madel’s decision follows the death of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was killed by federal agents during a protest against immigration enforcement. Video analysis reportedly shows a federal officer removing a gun from Pretti before the fatal shooting. The incident has intensified scrutiny of ICE tactics and fueled debate within Minnesota’s political landscape.
Governor Tim Walz recently ended his reelection campaign amid a federal investigation into state social services. Senator Amy Klobuchar has formed a campaign committee to run for governor but delayed a formal announcement in the wake of Pretti’s death, focusing instead on efforts to address federal immigration operations in Minnesota.
Republican Primary Dynamics
With Madel’s exit, the Republican field includes Lisa Demuth, speaker of the Minnesota House, among others. Demuth has welcomed federal attention to immigration enforcement, calling it an opportunity for improved cooperation between state and federal authorities. No Republican has won a statewide election in Minnesota since 2006, a point Madel acknowledged in his statement, citing national party dynamics as a barrier to victory.
Madel concluded his remarks by emphasizing personal integrity: “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.”