Story perspectives

ICE Crackdown Sparks Fear in Twin Cities Restaurants

1/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

ICE enforcement has increased under U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to staff shortages and customer fears in Twin Cities restaurants and hotels.
Miguel Lopez of Homi Restaurant described a return to COVID-like conditions.
Rolando Diaz of Marna’s Eatery expressed concern for employee safety.
Minneapolis officials warn of tensions akin to the 2020 riots after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 3, abolished discriminatory national origin quotas, significantly altering U.S. immigration patterns. By the 1990s, over 1 million immigrants, primarily from Latin America, arrived annually. Recent heightened enforcement under President Trump has reignited fears among immigrant communities, echoing tensions from the 2020 riots and impacting local businesses in the Twin Cities.

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Story summary

ICE enforcement has increased under U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to staff shortages and customer fears in Twin Cities restaurants and hotels.
Miguel Lopez of Homi Restaurant described a return to COVID-like conditions.
Rolando Diaz of Marna’s Eatery expressed concern for employee safety.
Minneapolis officials warn of tensions akin to the 2020 riots after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE.

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