Chris Madel, a Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, has ended his campaign, criticizing the immigration enforcement operation in his state for going “far beyond” its stated focus.
“I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so,” Madel said in a video.
He supported the originally stated goals of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s “Operation Metro Surge” in locating and deporting the worst of the worst from Minnesota, citing examples of ICE arresting non-U.S. citizens convicted of serious crimes including murder, rape, and child sexual assault.
“No reasonable person should want these people here, and I am glad they are gone,” Madel added. “But Operation Metro Surge has extended far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats.”
“United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear,” Madel said. He pointed to U.S. citizens carrying citizenship papers and Hispanic and Asian law enforcement officers who he claimed were “pulled over by ICE on pretextual stops.”
Madel, an attorney with 30 years of experience, argued that “the national Republicans have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota.”
His decision to drop out marks some of the most pointed GOP backlash yet to Republicans’ handling of the killing of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent.
Earlier this month, Madel said he assisted ICE officer Jonathan Ross with legal matters to secure Justice Department representation if Ross faced criminal charges or civil lawsuits. Ross shot and killed Renee Nicole Good earlier this month, sparking widespread protests.
Madel’s decision comes as several Republicans in Congress have called for a full investigation into Pretti’s killing.
“The president posted something on Truth Social saying it was a time of reckoning and retribution on the citizens of my state, and I’ve seen that happen,” Madel stated.
Madel, 59, made his first run for public office. He entered the race on December 1. With experience defending law enforcement officers—including a case involving Minnesota state trooper Ryan Londregan who fatally shot Ricky Cobb II in a traffic stop—prosecutors later dropped charges—the candidate emphasized that victory during his campaign.
Republicans had expected the governor’s race to focus on Walz, who was seeking re-election amid welfare fraud concerns. But the race shifted dramatically when Walz dropped out on January 5. The Trump administration deployed thousands of federal officers to Minnesota that same week. ICE agent Jonathan Ross killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis two days later on January 7.
Madel agreed to provide pro bono legal advice to Ross, though no criminal charges or civil lawsuits have been filed. “Justice requires excellent legal representation,” Madel said.
Madel announced his decision to end his candidacy two days after a Border Patrol officer shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
