The Candidate From ICE
Madison Sheahan, former ICE deputy director, resigned after less than a year to run for Congress in Ohio's Ninth District, centering her campaign on President Trump's mass-deportation agenda. Despite her lack of immigration experience, Sheahan's campaign emphasizes her role in the administration's border crackdown through media portraying her in tactical gear. The Republican primary will test the electoral strength of hardline immigration policies without Trump on the ballot, as voters also express concern over economic and energy issues.
- ▪Madison Sheahan resigned as ICE deputy director in January 2026 to run for Congress in Ohio's Ninth District.
- ▪Sheahan had no prior immigration experience and previously worked at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
- ▪Sheahan's campaign ads highlight her role in Trump’s mass-deportation efforts, featuring images of her in body armor and ICE gear.
- ▪Many Republican voters in the district remain supportive of strict immigration enforcement but are increasingly focused on inflation, gas prices, and opposition to data center expansion.
- ▪The district has been represented by Democrat Marcy Kaptur since 1982, but redistricting has made it more favorable to Republicans.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
PoliticsThe Candidate From ICEA GOP primary in Ohio will test Trump’s mass-deportation push.By Nick MiroffIllustration by The Atlantic. Sources: Jamie Kelter Davis / Getty; Michael M. Santiago / Getty; Getty.May 4, 2026, 4:01 PM ET ShareSave In mid-January, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and agents were battling protesters on the icy streets of Minneapolis, ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan abruptly quit. This was a week after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good; another protester, Alex Pretti, was slain nine days later. Sheahan, then 28, had been on the job for less than a year, but she did not resign in protest.
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