Federal Immigration Enforcement is Transforming Daily Life in Minneapolis and St. Paul
In St. Paul, Minnesota, Brittany Kubricky arrived at her daughter’s school. While she typically comes just to pick her up, this day was different. Two of her daughter’s classmates got into the back seat, their mother having sheltered at home for weeks, fearing encounters with federal immigration officials. A friend had helped coordinate the pick-up to ensure their safety.
In December, the Trump administration launched Operation Metro Surge, deploying 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota with the aim of targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal histories. However, law enforcement activities over the past two months have disproportionately affected thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, who have been pulled from their vehicles, homes, or workplaces regardless of their immigration status. Disturbingly, agents have also been involved in the deaths of two Minneapolis residents, Renee Good and Alex Preti, who were observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
The aggressive presence of federal agents has sent shockwaves through the Twin Cities, as reported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project and the Guardian. Protests have become commonplace, and community networks are mobilizing to monitor interactions between residents and law enforcement. Many individuals have retreated into their homes, fearing detention based on their appearance. Daily life has been significantly disrupted, with reduced errands, fewer social visits, and a heightened reliance on neighbors.
On a frigid January morning at Bethel Church in south Minneapolis, volunteers from Community Assistance Network MN were busy unloading a vehicle filled with supplies. The sidewalk was lined with vehicles overflowing with donations. Volunteers coordinated efforts, using whistles to signal fellow residents of any nearby immigration officers. Indoors, boxes of essential items like diapers were stacked high, reflecting a community determined to support one another.
By the end of January, the Minnesota Community Aid Network had assisted approximately 575 families, nearly double the figure from November. Co-founder Tom Kachelmacher, who usually works full-time as an event planner, has taken time off to keep up with the increasing demand. His weekly hours devoted to volunteering surged from about ten to over thirty as the community faced pressing needs.
The impact on local businesses has also been pronounced. Many establishments, including the Mexican restaurant Oro by Nixta in Minneapolis, have opted to keep their doors locked, allowing customers inside one at a time for security reasons. Along Lake Street—a corridor populated by numerous immigrant-owned businesses—a sign posted at Taqueria Los Ocampo indicates a temporary closure, citing safety concerns. The Lake Street Council predicts the area’s 1,000 immigrant-owned businesses could see losses of $46 million over December and January due to decreased sales and changed consumer behaviors.
Panaderia San Miguel, a neighborhood bakery renowned for its sweet pastries, closed its doors for three weeks in January out of safety concerns for its employees. Upon reopening, the bakery revised its operations by offering deliveries and arranging safe transport for staff. Vanessa Rubio, one of the bakery’s owners, noted that the overwhelming demand for their goods influenced their decision to resume operations. Community support played a crucial role as well.
As community organizations have mobilized, Kubricky has raised over $40,000 to assist families, primarily for rental aid and basic necessities. She maintains detailed records of those in need at her dining table. With support from volunteers and local networks, mutual aid has become essential for many families navigating the upheaval. Amidst it all, Kubricky has surprised herself with the impact she has been able to make, stating, “I never did anything like this before.” The situation has catalyzed grassroots efforts, turning neighbors into vital lifelines amid uncertainty.
