A Trump administration immigration enforcer who helped deport 2.5 million illegal aliens just resigned from her federal post to challenge a 43-year Democrat incumbent, signaling the America First movement’s expansion from executive agencies into congressional battlegrounds.
Story Highlights
- Madison Sheahan, 28, resigns as ICE Deputy Director to run against Rep. Marcy Kaptur in Ohio’s 9th District
- Claims ICE deported 2.5 million illegal immigrants and recruited 12,000 new officers under her leadership
- Enters crowded GOP primary in newly redrawn district Trump won in 2024
- Resignation comes amid nationwide protests over ICE agent shooting of U.S. citizen in Minneapolis
Trump Administration Veteran Enters Congressional Race
Madison Sheahan announced Thursday her resignation from the No. 2 position at Immigration and Customs Enforcement to launch a Republican primary campaign for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District. The 28-year-old Ohio native served as ICE Deputy Director since March 2025 under Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Sheahan positioned herself as a “Trump conservative” ready to advance the President’s immigration agenda from Congress rather than the executive branch.
Targeting Vulnerable Democrat Stronghold
Sheahan enters the race against 79-year-old Rep. Marcy Kaptur, who has held the seat since 1983 but faces her toughest reelection challenge yet. Ohio’s 9th District underwent redistricting in fall 2025, creating more favorable Republican terrain after Trump carried the district in 2024. Kaptur narrowly survived previous challenges, defeating Derek Merrin by less than one percentage point in 2022 and maintaining her seat despite Republican gains statewide.
Immigration Enforcement Record as Campaign Foundation
Sheahan’s campaign centers on her role overseeing Trump’s expanded deportation operations, claiming ICE removed over 2.5 million undocumented immigrants during her tenure. She also touts recruiting 12,000 new ICE officers to bolster enforcement capabilities nationwide. Secretary Noem praised Sheahan as a “terrific leader” who executed the “American people’s mandate” on immigration enforcement, predicting she would bring the same effectiveness to Congress.
Her resignation comes during heightened scrutiny of ICE following the January 7 shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis. The incident sparked nationwide protests and calls for Noem’s impeachment, with President Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act on January 15. Despite the controversy, Sheahan defended ICE’s mission and credited the agency with making Ohio neighborhoods safer.
Crowded Primary Field in Battleground District
Sheahan faces competition from Derek Merrin, who previously challenged Kaptur, and state Rep. Josh in what promises to be a heated Republican primary. National Republicans view the seat as a top pickup opportunity given the favorable redistricting and Kaptur’s advanced age. Sheahan’s federal experience and Trump administration credentials provide advantages, though her youth and limited Ohio political history may create vulnerabilities against more established local candidates.
Sources:
Madison Sheahan, ICE’s deputy director, resigns to run for Congress
ICE deputy director resigns to run for Congress in Ohio
Top ICE official resigns to seek battleground congressional seat
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan Resigns to Run for Congress in Ohio
