Republican Chris Madel withdraws from Minnesota governor race, condemning Trump’s immigration crackdown after two US citizens were killed by federal agents.
MINNEAPOLIS: A Republican candidate for Minnesota governor has withdrawn from the race in protest over a federal immigration operation that left two civilians dead.
Attorney Chris Madel announced his withdrawal in a social media video, criticising his party’s response to the deaths.
“I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state,” Madel said.
“Nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so.”
Madel recently provided legal counsel to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who fatally shot 37-year-old Minneapolis woman Renee Good on January 7.
His campaign ended following the killing of nurse Alex Pretti, also 37, who was shot by Border Patrol agents while documenting federal activity.
Pretti’s death intensified criticism of “Operation Metro Surge,” which deployed thousands of federal immigration agents to Minneapolis.
Madel argued the operation had broadened far beyond its original focus on serious criminal threats.
“National Republicans have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota,” he stated.
Following Good’s death, Vice President JD Vance asserted that the ICE officer had “absolute immunity.”
Madel’s withdrawal highlights rising internal Republican divisions over immigration policy and federal intervention.
Some GOP lawmakers have called for investigations or a pause in the surge of agents into Minnesota.
Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek reelection earlier in January, leaving the field open.
