Impact of ICE Raids on Twin Cities Restaurants

Restaurant owners in the Twin Cities are expressing concerns that recent ICE raids for immigration enforcement are negatively affecting their operations.

The Minnesota Star Tribune spoke with various restaurant owners about the repercussions of immigration policies under President Trump. His administration’s focus on mass deportations has made many, especially Latino and Somali business owners, uneasy.

With the rise in immigration enforcement, the food industry is making adjustments. Some are locking their doors and screening customers, while others are cutting back hours, switching to only offering takeout, or even closing completely. Many establishments are understaffed, leading owners to juggle multiple roles to keep things running smoothly.

Rolando Diaz, who manages Myrna’s Eatery and Lounge in Robbinsdale, shared that his team feels the weight of current events. Many of his employees are hesitant to come to work due to fears of being apprehended by immigration authorities.

“I’m generally optimistic but I have to be realistic,” Diaz remarked, acknowledging the long-term nature of ICE’s operations in the area. “We’re preparing for a substantial impact.” He compared the current climate to the fears during the pandemic, noting that there’s now a sense of dread among people who worry about leaving home and not returning.

Miguel Lopez, who owns Homi Restaurant on University Avenue in St. Paul, echoed this sentiment, saying, “It feels like we’re almost back to COVID.” He detailed instances where clients were stopped while en route to the restaurant and questioned about their documentation, stressing the toll it has taken on business.

At Claski’s, owner Soleil Ramirez, originally from Venezuela, has taken actions such as stopping walk-ins after a recent unsettling incident with someone claiming to be an ICE agent dining at her restaurant. She noted, “Our community supported us and stayed until closing,” reflecting the tight-knit nature of their support.

Ramirez shared, “As an immigrant, I need to prepare my family to take over if I’m detained,” hinting at the need for a backup plan, “but it’s also about being human.” ICE’s actions are impacting diverse businesses across cultures as well.

Fardousa Abdul Ali, owner of Albi Kitchen near downtown Minneapolis, talked about the challenges she faces, particularly after her cafe, which offers Somali treats, became a focal point of a viral video concerning a local daycare. She has encountered harassment since, leading to a noticeable drop in customers. “We’ve really lost a lot of customers. They don’t come here anymore,” she lamented.

Ali considered hiring security for her cafe but found it financially unfeasible. “To be honest, I don’t feel safe,” she said. “I came here seeking safety, not fear.”