MINNEAPOLIS, United States — President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown has become a central issue in Minnesota’s Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, intensifying a closely fought contest between establishment-backed U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan ahead of Tuesday’s vote.
- Trump’s immigration operation in Minnesota has become a major issue in the Democratic Senate primary.
- Angie Craig is facing criticism over her 2025 vote for the Laken Riley Act, which she later said she regretted.
- Peggy Flanagan has made immigration and opposition to Trump central to her campaign.
- Craig’s campaign had spent $9 million through July 22, compared with $5.5 million by Flanagan’s campaign.
Trump immigration crackdown reshapes Minnesota Senate race
The primary comes months after federal immigration agents staged at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building near Minneapolis airport as part of a deportation campaign. Protests followed, and the confrontations became a defining backdrop to the Democratic contest.
Two people, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed in Minneapolis during the period of heightened immigration enforcement. Trump subsequently pulled back the operation under pressure, but the events continue to influence the political debate surrounding the Senate race.
Volunteers still maintain a presence near the federal building, where they assist people released from immigration detention or leaving immigration court hearings. Memorials for Good and Pretti also remain at locations where they were killed.
Angie Craig faces scrutiny over immigration vote
Craig’s support for the Laken Riley Act has emerged as one of the most contentious issues of her Senate campaign. The legislation, passed early in 2025, requires federal authorities to detain migrants accused of theft and violent crimes.
Craig was among nearly 60 Democrats in Congress who supported the measure. She later faced criticism from progressive voters after immigration enforcement intensified in Minneapolis.
In a column published in the Minnesota Star Tribune, Craig acknowledged that supporting legislation giving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement additional authority under the Trump administration had been the wrong decision.
“I regret my vote.”
Craig has argued that her vote did not enable Trump’s immigration operation. She has also sought to present herself as a strong opponent of the administration’s approach while emphasizing her record of winning difficult congressional races.
Flanagan makes immigration a defining issue
Flanagan and her supporters have rejected Craig’s explanation, arguing that the vote demonstrated a willingness to compromise on an issue they consider fundamental.
Flanagan told campaign volunteers that she welcomed Craig’s expression of regret but argued that it came too late. She has positioned herself as a stronger defender of immigrant communities and as a candidate prepared to challenge Trump directly.
The lieutenant governor is also campaigning on a broader progressive platform. Like Michigan Senate primary winner Abdul El-Sayed, she supports Medicare for All and wants to reduce U.S. military support for Israel.
Democratic primary reflects wider party divide
The Minnesota contest mirrors a broader struggle within the Democratic Party between candidates emphasizing progressive policies and those arguing that electoral success requires reaching moderates and voters outside traditional Democratic strongholds.
Craig argues that her experience campaigning across demographics gives her an advantage in a statewide election. Supporters point to her ability to win repeatedly in a competitive congressional district and to her background in Arkansas, where she was raised by a single mother in a trailer park.
She has also highlighted her record as a Democrat who has sometimes taken positions that differ from the party, including her decision to call for President Joe Biden to leave the 2024 presidential race after his debate performance against Trump.
Money becomes another dividing line
Campaign spending has added another dimension to the primary. Through July 22, Craig’s campaign had spent $9 million, while Flanagan’s campaign had spent $5.5 million.
Outside groups have also spent heavily, with organizations supporting Craig spending considerably more, according to the report. Flanagan has sought to counter that advantage by emphasizing grassroots support and attacking the influence of wealthy donors and super PACs.
Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders campaigned with Flanagan last month, giving the progressive candidate a prominent national ally. At a campaign event, Sanders urged Minnesota voters to reject what he described as the influence of billionaires, advertising and super PACs.
Both candidates seek path to statewide victory
The Democratic winner will compete for the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Tina Smith, who is not seeking another term. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has not endorsed either Craig or Flanagan, although his wife, Gwen Walz, endorsed Craig late last month.
The Republican field includes former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya. For Democrats, however, Tuesday’s primary is first a test of which political approach can prevail: Craig’s argument that experience and broad electoral appeal are essential, or Flanagan’s case that a more uncompromising progressive position is needed in the current political environment.
