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Published November 4, 2026 9:58 PM CST
ICE backlash drives Minnesota election wins
Democratic candidates in Minnesota and across the country are crediting voter backlash against ICE's Operation Metro Surge for their Election Day victories. Following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, leaders including Gov.-elect Amy Klobuchar and Sen.-elect Peggy Flanagan say anger over the Trump administration's immigration actions drove high voter turnout.
(FOX 9) - Backlash to Operation Metro Surge shaped Minnesota's top races and echoed in Democratic wins across the country on Election Day.
How the issue shaped Minnesota races
What we know:
On Election Day, memorials for Alex Pretti and Renee Good became part of the political message in Minnesota.
Minnesotans placed their "I Voted" stickers on surrounding signs and posts as Democrats tied the ICE surge and the killings to turnout.
In her victory speech on Tuesday night, Minnesota Gov.-elect Amy Klobuchar said, "And after the horror of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and their senseless killings, we didn't look down. We looked up. We didn't look away. We looked at each other."
Democratic candidates credited anger over Operation Metro Surge as one of the main reasons for their wins. Democrats also said ICE actions in Minnesota at the direction of President Donald Trump pushed many voters to the polls in the midterm elections.
What they're saying:
"We will rip ICE apart," said Sen.-elect Peggy Flanagan during her victory speech. "And you said no more masked goons stealing our neighbors and terrorizing our communities," Flanagan said.
"They even shot and killed two Minnesotans but he couldn't make us turn on each other," said Minnesota Atty. Gen. Keith Ellison in his speech to supporters after the election was called in his favor.
How the message echoed nationally
Big picture view:
The political message did not stop in Minnesota. Democrats said people across the country used their votes to send a message, pointing to a blue wave in states like Texas where Democrats also came out on top.
"They're upset by some of the extremism now that we're seeing with masked men and unmarked vehicles kidnapping people off our streets and sometimes killing our neighbors," said Texas Sen.-elect James Talarico.
The Source: This story uses information gathered by FOX 9 reporter Maury Glover.
2026 ElectionsPoliticsMinnesota
