India, Jan. 27 -- Lawyer Chris Madel quit the Republican race for Minnesota governor on Monday. He denounced a federal immigration crackdown he called a "campaign of retribution" against the state, following deadly clashes between officers and citizens.

His exit highlights rising tensions within the Republican Party over immigration enforcement. The issue is splitting the party just months before critical November midterm elections.

Chris Madel posted a video online to announce his decision. He directly criticized national Republican leaders. "I cannot support the national Republican stated retribution on the citizens of our state," Madel said. He added that their actions made it "nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide el...