GOP lawyer ends bid for Minn. governor, calls ICE effort a ‘disaster’ : NPR

Chris Madel has ended his bid to be the GOP candidate for Minnesota governor, saying he is unable to support “national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state.”

ZUMA Press Wire via Reuters

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ZUMA Press Wire via Reuters

Chris Madel, a Republican candidate for governor of Minnesota and the lawyer representing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer who fatally shot Renee Macklin Good, has dropped out of the state’s gubernatorial race, saying he no longer stands for the immigration crackdown happening in Minneapolis.

“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,” Madel said in a nearly 11-minute video posted to X on Monday.

It’s the latest rebuke of the Trump administration’s handling of the escalating political unrest in the city, just two days after intensive care nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a federal agent during protests over the weekend. Both Pretti and Good were U.S. citizens and 37 years old.

Despite originally supporting ICE’s effort in the city, known as Operation Metro Surge, Madel called it “an unmitigated disaster” in his video, arguing it had “expanded far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats.”

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

Madel, a political newcomer, announced his bid for governor in December, vowing to make supporting law enforcement a priority of his campaign. He told the Minnesota Star Tribune earlier this month that he was providing legal counsel for the ICE agent who shot Good and that it did not change his political ambitions.

Despite Madel’s exit from the race, there’s still a crowded field of GOP candidates vying to lead Minnesota, a state that hasn’t elected a Republican governor in roughly 20 years. Several candidates still in the race have not criticized the administration over ICE practices, while others have voiced continued support for the federal response.

The Minnesota gubernatorial race garnered national attention after the state’s current governor, Democrat Tim Walz, announced he would no longer seek a third term amid blowback from the White House over his oversight of alleged social service fraud in the state.

The fraud scandal unfolded as Minneapolis was already quickly becoming the center of a political fight between President Trump and Minnesota Democrats over the state’s immigration laws and practices.

Both fatal shootings of Good and Pretti this month have further intensified that fight. But it also prompted several national Republicans to call for the Trump administration to cooperate with state and local authorities after shutting them out in both investigations.

“The events in Minneapolis are incredibly disturbing,” Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said in a statement on Saturday. “The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth.”

Sen. Thom Tillis, RN.C., echoed those calls for a federal-state probe, adding that “any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy.”

Administration officials have claimed that Pretti — who had a lawful permit to carry a handgun — was a “domestic terrorist,” and defended the response by federal agents as self-defense. However, footage captured in bystander videos and witness accounts contradicts that argument, and there has been no evidence that NPR has verified of Pretti brandishing his handgun at any time during the encounter with federal agents.

“Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American—especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said in a statement Sunday.

“A comprehensive, independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted in order to rebuild trust and Congressional committees need to hold hearings and do their oversight work” she added. “ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties.”

Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt expressed concern about the administration’s handling of the situation in Minneapolis, telling CNN in an interview Sunday that the president was “getting bad advice.”

“President Trump closed the border, promised to get violent criminals out of our country,” Stitt said, adding that while he believes “everybody agrees with that,” Americans are unsure about the administration’s “endgame.”

“What’s the goal right now? Is it to deport every single non-U.S. citizen? I don’t think that’s what Americans want,” he said. “We have to stop politicizing this. We need real solutions on immigration reform.”

On Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down on the administration’s goal of deporting criminals living in the country without legal status, but acknowledged that no one in the White House wants to “see people getting hurt or killed in America’s streets.”

“This includes Renee Good, Alex Pretti, the brave men and women of federal law enforcement and the many Americans who have been victimized at the hands of illegal alien criminals,” she said.

In a post on Truth Social Monday, Trump said that he spoke with Walz and that the two “seemed to be on a similar wavelength” in trying to reduce additional violence in Minneapolis, and said that the two leaders would speak again in the “near future.”

Walz also acknowledged a more “cordial” tone with the president in an interview with MPR News on Monday.

“Whatever has happened here, there is a definite change of tone,” Walz said. “There is a definitely a more collaborative tone. I want to make sure that I’m not jeopardizing that, that I’m going to take them for their word right now, that they’re going to reduce this force.”

Walz also said that Greg Bovino, a Border Patrol commander, will be leaving Minnesota.

Why did Doug Wardlow withdraw from the minnesota governor race and criticize ICE operations in minnesota?

GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Withdraws, Criticizes ICE Operations in Minnesota

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate for Minnesota, Doug Wardlow, recently ended his bid for office, delivering a sharp critique of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations within the state. Wardlow, a prominent lawyer, publicly labeled the ICE enforcement efforts a “disaster,” citing concerns over resource allocation and the impact on local communities. This unexpected withdrawal and accompanying condemnation have sent ripples through minnesota’s political landscape and ignited debate surrounding immigration policy and federal-state relations.

The Shift in Wardlow’s Campaign Focus

Initially positioning himself as a staunch advocate for border security and stricter immigration enforcement,Wardlow’s campaign took a noticeable turn in late 2025. He began expressing increasing frustration with what he perceived as ineffective and overly aggressive tactics employed by ICE in Minnesota.

* Increased Detentions: Reports indicated a surge in ICE detentions, particularly targeting individuals with minor offenses or no criminal record.

* Strain on Local Resources: Wardlow argued that ICE operations were placing an undue burden on local law enforcement and court systems.

* Community Concerns: He highlighted growing anxieties within immigrant communities, fueled by fear of deportation and family separation.

This shift culminated in his declaration to suspend his campaign, directly linking his decision to his disillusionment with ICE’s performance.

Details of Wardlow’s Criticism

Wardlow’s assessment of ICE’s actions wasn’t simply a broad complaint.He offered specific criticisms, focusing on the agency’s approach to enforcement and its coordination with state and local authorities. He argued that ICE’s focus on high-profile raids and mass detentions was counterproductive, diverting resources from more effective strategies like addressing the root causes of illegal immigration.

He specifically pointed to instances where ICE detentions disrupted local economies and created a climate of fear, hindering cooperation between law enforcement and immigrant communities. Wardlow also questioned the legal basis for some of the detentions, suggesting potential violations of due process.

Impact on the minnesota Governor’s Race

Wardlow’s departure significantly alters the dynamics of the Minnesota governor’s race. His withdrawal leaves a void on the Republican side, possibly benefiting the Democratic frontrunner. political analysts suggest his critique of ICE coudl also influence the broader debate on immigration policy within the state.

* Republican Strategy Re-evaluation: The Minnesota GOP will likely need to reassess its approach to immigration, particularly in light of wardlow’s concerns.

* Democratic Opportunity: The Democratic candidate can capitalize on Wardlow’s criticism to appeal to moderate voters and highlight the potential for bipartisan cooperation on immigration reform.

* Increased Voter Engagement: The controversy surrounding Wardlow’s withdrawal could galvanize voter turnout, particularly within immigrant communities.

ICE Response and Ongoing Debate

ICE has not directly responded to Wardlow’s “disaster” label, but agency officials have consistently defended their enforcement efforts as necessary to maintain national security and uphold immigration laws. They maintain that all detentions are conducted in accordance with legal procedures and that the agency prioritizes the apprehension of individuals who pose a threat to public safety.

However, advocacy groups and legal experts continue to raise concerns about ICE’s tactics, citing instances of wrongful detentions, excessive force, and inadequate due process protections. The debate over ICE’s role in Minnesota, and across the nation, is likely to intensify as the governor’s race progresses and the federal government continues to grapple with the challenges of immigration reform.

Past Context: ICE Operations in Minnesota

Minnesota has a meaningful immigrant population, with a history of welcoming refugees and immigrants from around the world. However, in recent years, ICE activity in the state has increased, leading to heightened tensions and concerns within immigrant communities.

* Somali Community Impact: The state’s large Somali-American population has been particularly affected by ICE enforcement efforts, with numerous individuals facing deportation.

* Sanctuary City Policies: Debates over “sanctuary city” policies,which limit local law enforcement cooperation with ICE,have become increasingly prominent in Minnesota cities.

* Legal Challenges: Several lawsuits have been filed challenging ICE’s detention practices and alleging violations of constitutional rights.

The Future of Immigration Policy in Minnesota

Wardlow’s unexpected exit and pointed criticism serve as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration policy. The next governor of minnesota will face significant challenges in balancing the need for border security with the rights and concerns of immigrant communities. Finding common ground and fostering constructive dialogue will be crucial to addressing this issue effectively. The situation highlights the growing divide within the Republican party regarding immigration, and the potential for future candidates to adopt more nuanced positions on the issue.