In a significant political move, a senior figure within the Trump administration's immigration enforcement apparatus has abruptly resigned to pursue a seat in the US Congress. Madison Sheahan, the deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), announced her departure on Thursday to launch a congressional campaign in Ohio.
From Agency Leadership to the Campaign Trail
Madison Sheahan, a 28-year-old who identifies as a "Trump conservative," revealed her candidacy via a campaign video. She pointed to the agency's aggressive expansion during her brief tenure, stating, "In just one year we’ve made history." She cited the recruitment of 12,000 new ICE officers and the deportation of 2.5 million people as key achievements, claiming, "Ohio neighborhoods are safer thanks to President Trump and ICE."
Her appointment to the second-highest role at ICE in March raised eyebrows, as she brought no prior law enforcement experience to the position. She was installed during a major overhaul of the agency's leadership, part of the Trump administration's push to intensify immigration enforcement across the United States. Her time in charge coincided with ICE's deadliest year since 2004, with 32 individuals dying in agency custody.
Targeting a Vulnerable Democratic Seat
Sheahan is setting her sights on Ohio's 9th district, currently represented by the long-serving Democrat Marcy Kaptur. Kaptur narrowly won her 22nd term in 2024 by a margin of less than one percentage point. This district is a notable political battleground; it was one of only 13 nationwide that voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election while also electing a Democrat to Congress. The Cook Political Report now rates the seat as a toss-up for Democrats.
In her launch video, Sheahan attacked the incumbent for opposing funding for the border wall and pledged to provide "real leadership" for what she described as overburdened and overlooked constituents.
ICE Under Intense Scrutiny
ICE has been the primary instrument for executing the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies. This has included deploying thousands of agents to major cities for operations criticised by local officials as excessive. The agency is also facing renewed public outcry and mass protests following last week's fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer.
In response to ongoing tensions, former President Trump threatened military intervention on Thursday, suggesting he might invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota.
Prior to her role at ICE, Sheahan's career was built in political and administrative roles. She served as Secretary of Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and previously worked under Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during Noem's governorship of South Dakota. She acted as Noem's political director and was also the executive director of the South Dakota Republican party.
In a farewell message to ICE staff posted on social media, Sheahan called her service "the honor of my life" and thanked Trump and Noem for their "steadfast commitment." She wrote, "I am proud of the work we have done to protect American families and I am grateful for the brave men and women serving at ICE." Her departure marks a notable shift from federal enforcement to electoral politics, setting the stage for a fiercely contested race in a pivotal Ohio district.
