Chris Madel, a Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, has ended his campaign, criticizing the immigration enforcement operation in his state for going “far beyond” its stated focus. “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 video posted to X. “I support the originally stated goals of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s ‘Operation Metro Surge’ in locating and deporting the worst of the worst from our state, and I’ve seen many examples of ICE arresting non-U.S. citizens in Minnesota convicted of serious crimes, including murder, rape, and child sexual assault,” he continued. “No reasonable person should want these people here, and I am glad that they are gone. But Operation Metro Surge has extended far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats,” he added. “United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear,” Madel said. Watch his near 11-minute video below: I am ending my campaign for Minnesota Governor. I describe why in the below video. Please watch until the end. (It is 10 minutes, 52 seconds.) Thank you,Chris pic.twitter.com/2nfyAyTzNZ — Chris Madel (@CWMadel) January 26, 2026 NBC News shared further: He pointed to U.S. citizens carrying papers to prove their citizenship and Hispanic and Asian law enforcement officers who he says “have been pulled over by ICE on pretextual stops.” Madel, an attorney, also argued that “the national Republicans have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota.” His decision to drop out of the race marks some of the most pointed GOP backlash yet to Republicans’ handling of the killing of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent. Earlier this month, Madel said he helped ICE officer Jonathan Ross with paperwork to get Justice Department legal representation if he is sued or charged with a crime. Ross shot and killed Renee Nicole Good earlier this month, sparking a surge of protests. Madel’s decision comes as several Republicans in Congress have called for a full investigation into Pretti’s killing on Saturday. “The president posted something on Truth Social saying it was a time of reckoning and retribution on the citizens of my state, and I’ve seen that happen and I cannot be a part of it, and I can’t be a part of a party that’s a part of that,” Madel said on CNN. Footage below: Chris Madel: "The president posted something on Truth Social saying it was a time of reckoning and retribution on the citizens of my state, and I've seen that happen and I cannot be a part of it, and I can't be a part of a party that's a part of that" pic.twitter.com/aaPwQMz3F0 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 27, 2026 More from the Associated Press: Madel, 59, was a political newcomer making his first run for public office. He got into the race on Dec. 1. Madel brought 30 years of experience as an attorney to the race, including cases taking on corporate corruption. Madel also defended law enforcement officers, including the 2024 case of a Minnesota state trooper who fatally shot a Black man after a traffic stop. Prosecutors dropped charges against Trooper Ryan Londregan in the killing of Ricky Cobb II, saying the case would have been difficult to prove. Madel often referenced that victory in his brief campaign for governor, including in his video dropping out. Republicans were expecting the race for governor to be focused on Walz, who at the time was seeking a third term amid questions about how his administration handled welfare fraud. But the race shifted dramatically on Jan. 5 when Walz dropped out. That same week, the Trump administration sent thousands of federal officers to Minnesota. ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Good in Minneapolis two days later on Jan. 7. Madel agreed to offer pro bono legal advice to Ross, although no criminal charges or civil lawsuits have been filed. Madel said he was honored to help Ross, particularly during a gubernatorial campaign. “Justice requires excellent legal representation,” Madel said. Madel announced his decision ending his candidacy two days after a Border Patrol officer shot and killed Pretti on Saturday in Minneapolis.