Madel Quits MN Governor Race Over ICE Operations

Chris Madel, a Minneapolis attorney and Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, announced on Monday that he is withdrawing from the race, citing his inability to support the national Republican Party's stance on federal immigration enforcement operations in the state.

In a 10-minute video posted to social media, Madel described the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions as an "unmitigated disaster" that has expanded beyond targeting serious criminals. "I cannot support the national Republican stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so," Madel said. He added that the operations have instilled fear among U.S. citizens, particularly those of color, with some now carrying proof of citizenship in daily life. "That's wrong," he stated.

Madel's decision comes amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis following two fatal shootings by federal agents. On January 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good, a mother of three, during an encounter that sparked initial protests. Over the weekend, on January 24, a Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse...