Madel’s break with Republican leadership over Trump’s immigration enforcement is unusual among GOP figures, though federal tactics in Minnesota have drawn scrutiny from Republican and Democratic officials since the Trump administration intensified operations earlier this month.

A Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate dropped out of the 2026 race Monday, calling the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations in his state an “unmitigated disaster.” Chris Madel, a 59-year-old attorney and political newcomer, announced his decision in a video posted to X hours after a federal agent fatally shot Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti in an immigration sweep. Madel said the enforcement operation has driven U.S. citizens—particularly those of color—to carry papers to prove their citizenship, a practice he called fundamentally wrong.

“I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state,” Madel said in the video. “Nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so.”

Concerns About Enforcement Tactics

Madel went further than most Republicans in his criticism. While he said he supports deporting “the worst of the worst” from Minnesota, he argued that the federal operation has exceeded reasonable bounds and inflicted broader harm on innocent citizens.

“United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear,” Madel said. “United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That’s wrong.”

Madel said he had heard from local Asian and Hispanic law enforcement officers who had been pulled over by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. He also said he had read accounts of and spoken with U.S. citizens who had been detained in Minnesota because of their race.

He also criticized federal authorities for using civil warrants rather than warrants issued by judges to conduct raids on homes, calling the practice unconstitutional.

Madel brought 30 years of experience as an attorney to his brief campaign, including cases prosecuting corporate corruption. He entered the governor race on Dec. 1, making his first run for public office.

In a prominent case, Madel defended Minnesota state trooper Ryan Londregan in 2024 after Londregan fatally shot Ricky Cobb II following a traffic stop. Prosecutors dropped charges, saying the case would have been difficult to prove. Madel frequently referenced this case in his campaign.

Madel also agreed to offer pro bono legal advice to Jonathan Ross, an ICE agent involved in the Jan. 7 shooting death of Renee Good in Minneapolis. No criminal charges or civil lawsuits have been filed against Ross. Madel said he was honored to help Ross despite running for governor.

“Justice requires excellent legal representation,” Madel said.

The Shifting Governor’s Race

Madel’s departure comes amid dramatic changes in the Minnesota gubernatorial race. Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, dropped his reelection bid on Jan. 5. That same week, the Trump administration sent thousands of federal officers to Minnesota for immigration enforcement operations.

The timing intensified pressure on Republican candidates to respond to the federal enforcement tactics, which have drawn criticism from Republican and Democratic officials in Minnesota and neighboring states.

Other Republican candidates in the race include MyPillow founder and chief executive Mike Lindell, an election denier who is close to Trump; Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth; Dr. Scott Jensen, the party’s 2022 gubernatorial candidate; and state Rep. Kristin Robbins.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has filed paperwork to run for governor but has not yet publicly launched her campaign.