MINNESOTA (TNND) — Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel ended his campaign Monday, citing opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts in the state and the fear they have instilled among U.S. citizens of color.

"I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state," Madel said in a lengthy video on X. "Nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so."

Madel also expressed disappointment in Operation Metro Surge, which he initially supported for detaining "the worst of the worst," adding that the operation has "expanded far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats."

"United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear," Madel stated. "United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That's wrong."

He added he had personally heard from local Asian and Hispanic law enforcement officers who were pulled over by ICE on pretextual stops.

“I have read about and I have spoken to help countless United States citizens who have been detained in Minnesota due to the color of their skin,” Madel said.

He also called it unconstitutional and wrong for federal officers to "raid homes" using a civil warrant, rather than one issued by a judge.

Madel was among a large group of candidates seeking to replace Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who dropped his reelection bid on Jan. 5.

That same week, the Trump administration sent thousands of federal officers to Minnesota. ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis two days later, on Jan. 7.

Other Republican candidates include MyPillow founder and chief executive Mike Lindell, an election denier who is close to Trump; Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth; Dr. Scott Jensen, a former state senator who was the party’s 2022 gubernatorial candidate; and state Rep. Kristin Robbins.

Madel, 59, was a political newcomer making his first run for public office. He got into the race on Dec. 1.

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Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.