ICE officers clash with protesters after federal agents fatally shot a man this morning in south Minneapolis, setting off confrontations between protesters and agents on the Eat Street section of Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, Minn., on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. ] Coverage since an influx of federal agents arrived in Minnesota.RICHARD TSONG-TAATARII • richard.tsong-taatarii @startribune.com
A prominent Republican candidate for governor in Minnesota, Chris Madel, announced on January 26, 2026, that he is withdrawing from the race. His decision stems from what he described as an “unmitigated disaster” regarding the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state. The Minneapolis-based attorney shared his reasoning in a video posted on social media platform X.
In his statement, Madel expressed strong opposition to what he termed the “stated retribution on the citizens of our state.” He emphasized his concerns about the implications of ICE’s operations, stating, “United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That’s wrong.” This remark reflects a growing sentiment among some political figures regarding the impact of federal immigration policies on local communities.
Madel’s law firm, Madel PA, previously provided legal counsel to Jonathan Ross, the ICE officer involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. That incident ignited significant protests in the city and raised questions about the use of force by federal agents. While Madel has advocated for deporting undocumented immigrants involved in serious crimes, he criticized ICE’s Operation Metro Surge for straying from its initial focus on genuine public safety threats.
He argued that the current climate surrounding ICE’s actions has made it “nearly impossible” for any Republican candidate to win a statewide election in Minnesota.
Political Response and Implications
In his announcement, Madel expressed support for local law enforcement, acknowledging the difficult position they find themselves in due to conflicting orders regarding cooperation with federal authorities. “Minneapolis law enforcement is caught between a rock and hard place,” he stated, recognizing the pressures they face amid ongoing protests.
Following Madel’s withdrawal, the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party urged other Republicans in the state to distance themselves from former President Donald Trump and his policies. Party Chair Richard Carlbom issued a statement questioning whether other Republican leaders would prioritize political careers over the welfare of their constituents. “Will other Republicans finally stand up to Trump and stand with their fellow Minnesotans? Or will they put their political careers first and foremost while their neighbors suffer?” Carlbom asked.
As the political landscape shifts in Minnesota, Madel’s exit highlights the complexities of immigration enforcement and its repercussions on local communities and political aspirations. His decision resonates with many constituents who share concerns about the implications of aggressive federal immigration policies in their neighborhoods.
The implications of ICE’s actions, particularly in light of recent incidents, continue to spark debate across the political spectrum. With the upcoming elections, the focus on immigration and law enforcement will likely remain a critical issue for voters in Minnesota and beyond.
