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The latest on ICE in Minnesota
Cait Kelley

Minnesota small businesses struggling because of ICE operations ask for state relief

A man speaks to Gov. Tim Walz and others in a commercial kitchen.
Minneapolis restaurant owner Saed Wadi appeals to Gov. Tim Walz for assistance at an event held Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at The Market at Malcom Yards by local business leaders and politicians about the toll ICE operations have taken on Minnesota businesses.
Cait Kelley | MPR News

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Minnesota businesses, especially in the Twin Cities, that have been hit hard by ICE operations are appealing to Gov. Tim Walz and the Legislature for help. 

Workers and customers who fear being racially profiled aren’t showing up to work or going out to eat and shop. Minneapolis officials estimated the city has so far lost upwards of $20 million a week since the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge began.

At an event with local business owners and the governor Tuesday, Minneapolis restaurant owner Saed Wadi said only 40 percent of his employees are showing up to work for fear of ICE. 

“We are the infrastructure of our neighborhood. We are the livelihood of our neighborhood, and right now, honestly, we are struggling,” Wadi said.

Though Walz predicted the ramped-up federal agent presence will end soon, Wadi said it could take businesses like his more than six months to recover and others could struggle to remain open.

Wadi appealed directly to Walz for sales tax breaks, property tax relief or other wage assistance.

“A lot of small businesses are out of cash, and to try to go and get grants or loans at this point, it's a long process,” Wadi said.

The legislative session starts on Feb. 17. Walz said his administration is compiling a package to put before lawmakers, similar to steps taken during COVID-19. 

“Right now, we have put everything on the table,” Walz said. “We have to recognize that the fallout of this, especially in the hospitality industry, could look like COVID in terms of the closures.”

However, unlike during the pandemic, this package wouldn’t have federal money behind it, so the state would be on its own.

This story is part of our live coverage. Go to live updates.