Chris Madel, a Minneapolis-based attorney and Republican candidate for governor of Minnesota, has ended his gubernatorial campaign and announced his departure from the Republican Party, citing serious constitutional and civil liberties concerns over federal immigration enforcement in the state.
In a video statement released Monday, Madel said he could no longer align himself with national Republican leadership amid what he described as punitive federal actions that have placed U.S. citizens at risk.
“I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state,” Madel said, adding that he could not remain a member of a party that endorses such measures.
Legal Concerns Over ICE Operations
Madel’s decision comes amid escalating scrutiny of Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement initiative operating in Minnesota. While initially framed as targeting serious public safety threats, Madel argued the program has expanded far beyond its stated scope.
According to Madel, U.S. citizens — particularly people of color — have been wrongfully detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in some cases based solely on racial profiling.
“United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship,” he said. “That’s wrong.”
He further criticized the Department of Homeland Security following revelations from a whistleblower complaint alleging that federal agents entered private homes without criminal warrants, raising Fourth Amendment concerns.
“Driving while Hispanic is not a crime,” Madel said. “Neither is driving while Asian.”
Notable Break Given Prior Legal Representation
Madel’s critique is particularly striking given his recent legal role defending Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, during an enforcement action earlier this month. That case brought Madel national attention and reinforced his reputation as a strong supporter of law enforcement.
However, Madel said recent events — including the killing of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center who was protesting federal immigration actions — forced him to reevaluate his position. A CNN video analysis appears to show a federal officer removing a firearm from Pretti moments before officers fatally shot him.
“I have to look my daughters in the eye and tell them, ‘I believe I did what was right,’” Madel said. “And I am doing that today.”
Political Fallout in Minnesota
Madel launched his campaign in December as a political outsider and law-and-order candidate. He was endorsed by the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis and had been gaining traction in Republican straw polls, frequently finishing among the top contenders in a crowded primary field.
His withdrawal further destabilizes an already volatile Minnesota political landscape. The move comes just weeks after Democratic Gov. Tim Walz ended his reelection bid amid a widening federal investigation into state social services programs.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar has since filed paperwork to form a gubernatorial campaign committee but delayed a formal announcement following Pretti’s death, saying her immediate focus is removing ICE agents from Minnesota.
Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth, now the highest-ranking GOP official in the state, welcomed President Donald Trump’s announcement that border czar Tom Homan would travel to Minnesota, calling it “an opportunity for a reset” between federal and state authorities.
Madel noted that no Republican has won a statewide election in Minnesota since 2006, arguing that national party positions have made such victories increasingly unlikely.
“National Republicans have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota,” he said.
