Operation Metro Surge kept many people of Latino and East African descent home, afraid to go to work or out to shops and restaurants. This caused a drastic drop in revenue for small businesses, which are now seeking aid.
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Pimento Jamaican Kitchen and owner sued for $1M in unpaid loans, rent
Most of the lawsuits involve the Pimento on the Lake location at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. The owner, Derek “Tomme” Beevas, is known for his community outreach.
February 6, 2026
Lake Street business owner joins with Latino nonprofit to raise $1M for families
Effort by Colonial Market one of many Minnesota fundraisers popping up to help people impacted by the immigration crackdown.
February 1, 2026
Fewer Minnesota small businesses close for second protest in as many weeks
After hundreds of local shops closed Jan. 23 and thousands of people marched in downtown Minneapolis, a second call for a general strike Jan. 30 was financially unfeasible for many.
January 30, 2026
The ICE surge has disrupted business. Minnesota’s top economic official is ‘very concerned.’
In an interview, DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek spoke at length about how ICE is affecting businesses and making the job of growing the state’s economy more difficult.
January 30, 2026
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Twin Cities’ ‘Mandarin Man’ brings this lesser-known citrus to Minnesota
The father-son business sells hard-to-find Kishu fruit direct to consumers from the family’s Chino Hills, Calif., farm.
January 30, 2026
Viral images turn local bookstore owner into symbol of Minneapolis anger
After federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, Greg Ketter drove to the scene to “be in that spot.” Images of the 70-year-old emerging from tear gas and shouting his anger quickly went viral.
January 28, 2026
Building Materials Manufacturing lays off 120 workers
Minneapolis plant among several related companies nationally affected by job cuts.
January 28, 2026
Minnesota companies fund $3.5M in grants to help small businesses during ICE surge
The nonprofit Minneapolis Foundation will distribute money to help local businesses make payroll, pay rent and cover other costs. Companies like Target, General Mills and Ecolab contributed.
January 27, 2026
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Minnesota businesses shut down, protesters hit the streets in bitter cold to protest ICE
Hundreds of small businesses closed their doors Friday to demonstrate against federal immigration enforcement.
January 23, 2026
Businesses close, Minnesotans to stay home Friday in protest of ICE
From restaurants to schools and more, hundreds of locals plan to participate in the “ICE Out! Statewide shutdown” on Jan. 23 to show community unity against federal immigration action in the Twin Cities.
January 22, 2026
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Businesses turning to temps as employees flock to new paid leave program
Recruiters are adding staffers themselves as companies scramble to cover for employees who applied for the paid leave program that went into effect this month.
January 15, 2026
Immigrant corridors in both Minneapolis and St. Paul nearly shut down by intensifying ICE actions
Revenue is down between 50% and 100% at immigrant-run businesses along Lake Street and on St. Paul’s East Side. Businesses say the impact is worse than COVID’s.
January 14, 2026
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