A Republican candidate for governor of Minnesota has exited the race, citing his opposition to the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies. Attorney Chris Madel criticized these tactics as harmful to the state’s citizens, especially following the tragic deaths of ICU nurse Alex Pretti and Renee Good during a federal operation in Minneapolis.
Madel announced his withdrawal in a video, stating, “I cannot support the retribution on the citizens of our state.” He pointed out that the ongoing Operation Metro Surge has expanded beyond its original goal of prioritizing public safety. Instead, he claimed it instills fear in many communities, particularly among people of color. “United States citizens, especially those of color, live in fear,” he remarked. Since December, approximately 3,000 federal agents have been active in and around Minneapolis, conducting thousands of arrests.
His concerns highlight a broader issue in law enforcement. In a recent survey by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), over 70% of respondents expressed worry about racial profiling in their communities. Madel noted that individuals are now carrying documents to prove their citizenship, which he believes is unacceptable.
Madel began his campaign in December, previously providing legal counsel to an ICE agent involved in the shooting of Good. His exit from the race comes at a time when some Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump’s immigration strategies. Public protests against recent federal operations have surged, drawing criticism far beyond Minnesota.
He argued that the current federal actions could make it hard for Republicans to win statewide elections in the future. His personal encounters with citizens detained by ICE reveal the emotional toll of these policies. “Driving while Hispanic is not a crime,” expressed Madel after the high-profile shooting of Pretti, who was unarmed at the time.
In addition, Madel condemned the use of criminal investigations for political gain and described the federal raids as an “unmitigated disaster.” Deciding to step away from his campaign, he stated, “I have to look my daughters in the eye and tell them: ‘I believe I did what was right.’”
Lastly, he emphasized the need for better support for local law enforcement. He pointed out the challenges they face when federal and state directives conflict, making it difficult for them to maintain community trust. In light of these issues, Minnesota’s current Democratic governor Tim Walz has already ruled out seeking re-election, setting the stage for an interesting political landscape.
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