POLITICS

Republican Candidate Exits Amid Minnesota Immigration Row

PUBLISHED Jan 26, 2026, 12:20 PM ET

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Republican Candidate Exits Amid Minnesota Immigration Row

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 86%

Right 14%

Sources: 7

Madison, Wis. Republican Chris Madel ended his bid for Minnesota governor on Monday, saying a federal immigration operation in the Twin Cities has exceeded its focus and threatened civil liberties. Madel posted a video criticizing what he called "retribution" by Republicans after a federal enforcement action that fatally shot Alex Pretti. A lawyer for an immigration officer who shot Renee Good, Madel said he supports deporting violent noncitizens but called the operation "an unmitigated disaster" and said Republicans have made statewide victory nearly impossible. He said he raised over $400,000 this month. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Federal immigration enforcement operations (Operation Metro Surge) targeted alleged dangerous noncitizens in the Twin Cities.
An immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good in a prior incident; Madel provided legal counsel to that officer.
A federal enforcement action in Minneapolis fatally shot Alex Pretti during a raid (reported on the preceding Saturday).
Republican figures and others called for investigations into federal immigration tactics after the fatal shooting.
On Monday, Chris Madel posted a video denouncing the operation and announced his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 86%, Right 14%

Who Benefited

Civil liberties organizations and opposition candidates gained increased public attention and potential political leverage following Madel's withdrawal and criticism of federal enforcement tactics.

Who Impacted

Immigrant communities and some Minnesota residents experienced heightened fear, scrutiny, and community tension after federal enforcement actions and ensuing public controversy.