At the Taste of East African restaurant in Minneapolis, the alarming trend of increasing federal immigration enforcement is forcing local businesses into crisis mode. With only the manager and owner left to serve customers, many familiar faces are missing, as community members fear returning to places where they might be exposed to immigration checks. The restaurant has seen a severe drop in its customer base, shifting from predominantly Somali patrons to a more diverse crowd willing to support despite the struggles. However, local experts warn that the support may not be enough to sustain the business long-term, with recent reports indicating that some establishments have experienced sales drops as severe as 80%. As protests against federal actions erupt, the economic landscape for Minneapolis' immigrant communities becomes increasingly precarious, with community leaders calling for solidarity through economic boycotts.
Fear Grips Minneapolis Restaurants Amid Immigration Sweeps
Fear Grips Minneapolis Restaurants Amid Immigration Sweeps
Minneapolis' immigrant communities are facing a crisis as federal immigration enforcement actions impact local businesses and the economy.
The Taste of East African restaurant in Minneapolis is now run solely by its owner and manager, who are struggling to cope with the effects of increasing federal immigration enforcement in their neighborhood. Many regular patrons, largely from immigrant backgrounds, are too afraid to visit, while gig workers decline delivery orders due to safety concerns. Local businesses are reporting drastic drops in sales—up to 80% in some cases. Despite an outpouring of support from non-immigrant residents, many worry this temporary relief won't last, threatening the future of these local establishments and exacerbating the economic struggles of the community.
