ICE Deputy Director resigns to run for Ohio congressional seat

ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan announced on Thursday that she is resigning from her role at the agency to run for Congress in Ohio. She is running to unseat Democrat Marcy Kaptur, who has represented Ohio's 9th Congressional District since 1983.

Sheahan posted an email she sent to all employees of the agency, writing, "As I depart the agency, I want to say that it has been the honor of my life to serve my country with all of you. I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Noem for their leadership and for their steadfast commitment to our agency. From the moment I joined this agency, my goal was to lead and support you as you carry out our vital mission to defend the homeland."

"We have been empowered to put the safety and the security of the American people first. Together, we strengthened our agency, restored its purpose, and set a new standard for excellence. The progress we achieved was driven by your determination, perseverance, and relentless spirit.

"I am proud of what we have accomplished together, but I know there is more to be done. I am confident that you will continue to serve with honor, courage, and a steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities," she continued. "Thank you for your trust, your sacrifice, and your dedication. It has been a privilege to fight for you and with you in service to our great nation."

Sheahan released her first campaign ad the same morning, writing, "I’m Madison Sheahan. I’m a Trump conservative running for Congress to protect American jobs, American paychecks, and American values." She criticized longtime incumbent Democrat Rep. Marcy Kaptur, saying, "Less than one year at ICE, I’ve stopped more illegal immigration than Marcy Kaptur has in her 43 years in Washington."

She said that "in Congress, hypocrisy, excuses, and failure earn you a lifetime farm," adding that those things would put her family farm out of business, the farm that taught her "some simple truths: be tough, get the job done, and make no excuses. I carried that same attitude to ICE."