Washington D.C. – Attorney Chris Madel has withdrawn from the Minnesota governor race, delivering a scathing condemnation of federal immigration enforcement operations and declaring he cannot support the Republican Party’s endorsement of what he terms “unconstitutional” actions against state citizens, marking a dramatic exit from Republican politics.
Withdrawal Statement and Reasoning
In a video shared on social media, Madel explained that his decision to exit the Minnesota governor race stems partly from his inability to support the Republican Party’s backing of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, where numerous US citizens now live in fear and carry documentation to verify their citizenship status.
“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,” stated Madel, who gained prominence in recent years for defending a state trooper accused of murder. His withdrawal from the Minnesota governor race represents a significant fracture within the state’s Republican establishment over immigration enforcement tactics.
Madel’s announcement follows the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday, marking the third shooting by immigration officers in three weeks and the second resulting in death. The Trump administration labeled Pretti a “domestic terrorist” who intended to inflict harm on law enforcement, though videos recorded at the scene contradict these assertions.
Criticism of Operation Metro Surge
Madel’s exit from the Minnesota governor race included harsh criticism of Operation Metro Surge, the federal immigration enforcement initiative currently operating in the state. “Operation Metro Surge has expanded far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats,” Madel declared in his withdrawal statement.
The attorney characterized ICE operations in Minnesota as an “unmitigated disaster,” stating emphatically that federal enforcement actions are “unconstitutional and it’s wrong.” His remarks highlight growing discomfort among Minnesota Republicans, which now includes several lawmakers from swing districts, regarding the influx of federal officers conducting immigration enforcement operations.
Madel’s departure from the Minnesota governor race underscores the political divisions emerging within the Republican Party over how aggressive federal immigration enforcement should be implemented at the state level, particularly when it affects American citizens.
Constitutional Concerns and Racial Profiling
In the video announcing the suspension of his campaign for the Minnesota governor race, Madel expressed sharp criticism toward US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for utilizing administrative warrants, which do not require judicial approval, to unlawfully invade individuals’ residences and for “weaponizing criminal investigations against political adversaries.”
“I personally have spoken to several law enforcement officers, some Hispanic and some Asian, who have been pulled over by ICE on pretextual stops,” Madel stated during his Minnesota governor race withdrawal announcement. “Driving while Hispanic is not a crime, neither is driving while Asian.”
These comments reflect Madel’s concern that immigration enforcement operations have devolved into racial profiling that violates constitutional protections for American citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or appearance. His willingness to speak openly about these issues contributed to his decision to abandon the Minnesota governor race rather than campaign on a platform he could no longer support.
Legal Background and Professional Experience
Madel’s credibility on law enforcement issues stems from his professional experience representing controversial cases. He represented State Patrol Officer Ryan Londregan, who faced charges of murder and manslaughter after fatally shooting Ricky Cobb II in 2023. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty ultimately decided to drop the charges against Londregan.
Earlier this month, Madel offered legal representation to Jonathan Ross, the federal agent involved in the shooting death of 37-year-old Renee Good. This professional background gave Madel unique insight into law enforcement operations, making his withdrawal from the Minnesota governor race and criticism of federal tactics particularly noteworthy.
Broader Republican Criticism
Beyond his criticisms of Operation Metro Surge, Madel stated that he was withdrawing from the Minnesota governor race because “national Republicans have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win.” This suggests broader dissatisfaction with national party strategy and positioning beyond immigration enforcement issues.
Madel expressed his belief that President Donald Trump has not received adequate recognition, particularly for his role in negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. He also took issue with Minnesota Republicans for their failure to thoroughly investigate fraud within the state’s public programs, indicating multiple points of disagreement that contributed to his Minnesota governor race exit.
Campaign Contributions and Final Message
Demonstrating integrity in his withdrawal from the Minnesota governor race, Madel announced that he would return all contributions made to his gubernatorial campaign. This decision reflects his commitment to ensuring supporters are not financially committed to a campaign he no longer intends to pursue.
“At the end of the day, 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,” Madel stated, framing his Minnesota governor race withdrawal as a moral decision based on principle rather than political calculation.
“God bless you, and God bless Minnesota,” Madel concluded his statement, adding pointedly that “We certainly need it.” His departure from the Minnesota governor race leaves the Republican primary field with one fewer candidate willing to challenge federal immigration enforcement operations publicly.
