Story perspectives

ICE Operations Create Fear Among Minneapolis Immigrant Businesses

12/8/2025

Center

Immigrants Under Siege

In Minneapolis, immigrant-owned businesses face challenges from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, with Recovery Bike Shop owner Seth Stattmiller saying legal citizens are afraid to work.
At Hola Arepa, ICE agents entered without a warrant.
Hola Arepa owner Christina Nguyen criticized intimidation tactics.
Augsburg University confirmed armed ICE agents detained a student on campus without a warrant.
The university condemned the actions as unacceptable and dangerous, noting community distress.

Right

Residents Demand Action

Residents in Springfield urge the city council to declare a state of emergency over ICE enforcement.
At a recent meeting, residents expressed fears of deportations and racial profiling.
Mayor Sean VanGordon said the city adheres to sanctuary laws limiting local cooperation with federal immigration.
Councilor Steve Moe acknowledged his privilege and pledged to use it for the community.
The assistant city manager will discuss the issue with local media.

History

Historical Context

The Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s emerged as a response to U.S. foreign policy in Central America, with over 500 churches providing refuge to immigrants fleeing violence. This grassroots effort highlighted tensions between local communities and federal immigration enforcement, a struggle that continues today as immigrant-owned businesses face intimidation from ICE, reflecting ongoing debates over sanctuary laws and community responses to immigration policies.

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Immigrants Under Siege

In Minneapolis, immigrant-owned businesses face challenges from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, with Recovery Bike Shop owner Seth Stattmiller saying legal citizens are afraid to work.
At Hola Arepa, ICE agents entered without a warrant.
Hola Arepa owner Christina Nguyen criticized intimidation tactics.
Augsburg University confirmed armed ICE agents detained a student on campus without a warrant.
The university condemned the actions as unacceptable and dangerous, noting community distress.

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