Minneapolis’ Somali Community Struggles Amid ICE Crackdown
The Karmel Mall in south Minneapolis, a hub for the city’s Somali population, has been eerily quiet in recent weeks. The mall, which houses over 100 small businesses, has seen a significant decline in customers and sales due to the fear of federal immigration agents. Business owners, including Abdi Wahid, who works at his mother’s convenience store, have reported a drastic decrease in foot traffic, with some stores choosing not to open at all.
The economic impact of the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge has been felt beyond the Somali community, with many immigrants afraid to leave their homes or go to work. President Trump’s rhetoric, including referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage” and claiming they “contribute nothing,” has only added to the fear and uncertainty. Wahid, a U.S. citizen, has seen his family’s business suffer, with afternoons that once brought in 15-20 customers now struggling to attract even one.
Fear and Uncertainty Grip the Community
The fear is not limited to undocumented immigrants; citizens are also hesitant to venture out, fearing they may be targeted based on their race or ethnicity. The killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer and the ICE raid at Roosevelt High School in south Minneapolis have only exacerbated the situation. Bashir Garad, who runs Safari Travel & Accounting Services, has seen his clients cancel trips due to concerns about being allowed back into the country. “They see a lot of unlawful things going on in the city,” he said. “They look at something bad, and then they think some bad things may happen to them.”
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has stated that law enforcement uses “reasonable suspicion” under the 4th Amendment to make arrests, and that a person’s immigration status, not their skin color, race, or ethnicity, makes them a target for enforcement. However, business owners like Garad and Dahiye, who sells electronics, disagree, citing the devastating impact of the crackdown on their businesses and the community as a whole. Dahiye has reported a $20,000 monthly loss since the crackdown began and is now struggling to make rent.
A Community in Crisis
The Karmel Mall, which also features housing, a mosque, and Quran classes, is more than just an economic hub; it is a community center for the area’s Somali population. The current situation has left many feeling helpless and uncertain about their future. As Ibrahim Dahiye said, “I don’t know what we can do. We believe in Allah, but we can’t do anything.” The situation in Minneapolis serves as a stark reminder of the human impact of immigration policies and the need for compassion and understanding.
For more information on the struggles faced by Somali businesses in Minneapolis, visit Here
Image Source: www.latimes.com
