27.01.2026 00:10
The political consequences of the protests that began after two people were killed by ICE police in Minnesota, USA, 17 days apart, have started to emerge. U.S. President Donald Trump’s gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota, Chris Madel, announced that he is withdrawing from the race due to the government's immigration policies. Madel became the first person to raise his voice against the immigration policies from the Trump camp, stating, "I cannot support the rhetoric of revenge."
Chris Madel, a Republican Party candidate for the Minnesota Governorship in the United States, announced that he is withdrawing from the election race, citing the government's immigration policies as the reason. Madel's decision came at a time when there was increasing backlash against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices in the state.
"I CANNOT SUPPORT THE VENGEANCE RHETORIC" In a statement made on his social media account, Madel harshly criticized the language used by the Republican Party. Madel stated,
"Just as I cannot support the vengeance rhetoric directed at the people of the state, I cannot consider myself a member of a party that does this."
CRITICISM OF IMMIGRATION POLICIES Madel argued that the ICE operations, particularly concentrated in Minnesota, have deviated from their intended purpose, stating that these practices create fear and insecurity in the community. He emphasized that even U.S. citizens are forced to prove their identities, which he deemed unacceptable.
Chris Madel EMPHASIS ON THE CONSTITUTION Madel criticized the federal security forces for conducting home raids with "civil permission" documents without a judicial order, labeling these practices as both unconstitutional and wrong. He stated that such methods undermine the rule of law.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IN A DIFFICULT POSITION Madel's withdrawal from candidacy occurred in the shadow of political tension following the deaths of two U.S. citizens during ICE operations in Minnesota in recent weeks. These events have brought U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policies, particularly the practices in Minnesota, back to the forefront of discussion.
Currently, Tim Walz from the Democratic Party holds the governorship in Minnesota. Walz was the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris's running mate in the last election.
WHAT HAPPENED? On January 7, ICE agents shot and killed 37-year-old American Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a U.S. citizen, in her vehicle during operations targeting immigrants in Minneapolis.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that this individual "attempted to run over ICE officers and hit them with her vehicle."
During protests in Minneapolis, another person was shot on January 24 while being attempted to be detained by ICE teams.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stated that the victim, whom they believed to be a U.S. citizen, was a 37-year-old white resident of Minneapolis.
O'Hara noted that this individual had no criminal record, stating, "We believe she legally obtained her firearm and has a carry permit."
The American Federation of Government Employees announced that the person shot and killed by ICE police in Minneapolis was Alex Jeffrey Pretti, who worked as a nurse among their members.