Immigration enforcement in Minnesota

Dozens 'dine-in,' rally at immigrant-owned restaurants in northeast Minneapolis to protest ICE

People eat at Holy Land restaurant
Jae Yates eats at a table with other demonstrators with the People's Action Coalition Against Trump inside Holy Land in northeast Minneapolis to show support for struggling businesses after "Operation Metro Surge" on Sunday.
Nicole Ki | MPR News

Although there’s been a reduction in the number of ICE agents in Minnesota, community activists say the fear of ICE still prevails and restaurants continue to lose business.

That’s why dozens of people gathered to eat at several immigrant-owned restaurants along Central Avenue in northeast Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon. Some of the businesses included El Taco Riendo, Holy Land and The Golden Nuts.

“The reason that we wanted to do this action was to show support for immigrant businesses that are really struggling even after the supposed draw-down,” Jae Yates of Twin Cities Coalition for Justice.

People rally outside of restaurant
Alissa Washington of Wrongfully Incarcerated & Over-sentenced Families Council-MN leads a small group in chants calling for ICE to leave Minnesota on the corner of Lowry Avenue and Central Avenue in northeast Minneapolis on Sunday.
Nicole Ki | MPR News

Yates was one of about 10 people who were eating chicken and beef shawarmas inside of Holy Land, a Palestinian-owned restaurant serving Mediterranean food. They say it’s important to recognize communities are still being impacted by ICE.

“The raids are still happening,” said Yates. “Our political leaders haven't done enough to mitigate the effects of ‘Metro Surge.’”

Others found ways to support restaurants like Maya Cuisine that were closed for the day. Bre Krzyzanowski was among a handful of people standing outside the restaurant holding signs that said “ICE Out Now" and "We Love Our Immigrant Neighbors."

“We want to encourage people to get out. Find these restaurants, show up for your neighbors, keep our dollars within the community, and show everybody that we don't stand for ICE in Minnesota right now,” Krzyzanowski said.