Madel Announces Withdrawal Following Pretti Shooting On Jan 26 2026, Republican attorney Chris Madel posted a video on X announcing he was exiting the Minnesota governor’s race, calling ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge” an “unmitigated disaster” after the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti the previous Saturday [1][2][3]. He said the operation “expanded far beyond its stated focus,” targeting U.S. citizens, especially people of color, and that he could no longer support a party that would retaliate against Minnesotans [3]. Madel’s statement referenced his prior defense of ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who killed protester Renee Good earlier in January [1][2].

Pretti Killing Highlights Controversial ICE Operation Alex Pretti, 37, was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during a raid in Minneapolis, marking the second protester death linked to the federal sweep within three weeks [1][2][3]. ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge” employed civil warrants signed by border‑patrol agents, which Madel and other Republicans argue are unconstitutional because they lack judicial approval [1][2]. Video analysis released by CNN appears to show an officer removing a firearm from Pretti moments before the shooting, intensifying calls for an independent investigation [3].

Madel Criticizes Party and Federal Tactics In the same X video, Madel declared he could not remain in a party that would “retribute on the citizens of our state,” emphasizing that “United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear” [3]. He denounced the use of civil warrants as unconstitutional and warned that “Driving while Hispanic is not a crime,” highlighting broader concerns about racial profiling in immigration raids [2][3]. Madel also cited a whistleblower complaint alleging warrantless home entries by DHS agents, underscoring his shift from a law‑and‑order stance to a critique of federal overreach [3].

GOP Field Remains After Madel Exit The Republican primary still includes MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, former state senator Dr. Scott Jensen, and Rep. Kristin Robbins, while Democratic Governor Tim Walz withdrew on Jan 5 2026 and Sen. Amy Klobuchar has filed paperwork but not formally announced a campaign [1][2][3]. An Economist‑YouGov poll shows 19 % of Republicans now favor abolishing ICE, up from 15 % in early January, indicating growing discomfort within the party base [1]. Madel’s departure adds momentum to calls for a federal investigation into the two shootings and may reshape GOP strategy ahead of the June primary [2][3].

Trump Sends Border Czar Amid Growing Backlash President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that “border czar” Tom Homan would travel to Minnesota to address the escalating anti‑ICE protests [1]. Betting platform Kalshi reported the probability that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would leave the cabinet rose from 14.8 % on Jan 2 to 37 % on Jan 26, reflecting political pressure from the fallout [1]. The deployment underscores the national significance of the Minnesota ICE controversy and its impact on the upcoming gubernatorial contest [1].