Since "Operation Metro Surge" began December 1, 2025, Somali-owned restaurants, mosques, and businesses across Minnesota have seen dramatic drops in attendance. Families are afraid to leave their homes.
Minnesota is home to approximately 80,000 residents of Somali descent — the largest Somali diaspora population in the United States. The vast majority are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Yet since ICE launched "Operation Metro Surge" on December 1, 2025, the community has been living in fear.
Farhan Ahmed, owner of Capitol Cafe, described the immediate toll: "I am concerned not only for my business, but also for the children witnessing the fear their families are experiencing."
At Smart Restaurant & Cafeteria, owner Abdiladif Ahmed reported that ICE visited on December 9, 2025: "ICE has visited my restaurant multiple times, leading to a significant decline in customers."
Abdikafi Gelle of East Cafe put the economic strain plainly: "The financial strain has been immediate, with costs for rent, supplies, and utilities remaining the same while revenue falls."
Community leaders documented citizens being pulled from cars and dragged from businesses. Pepper spray was used against community members attempting to record enforcement operations. State Representative Aisha Gomez was pepper-sprayed during a December 15 incident.
Mosques report dramatically reduced attendance. Families are skipping medical appointments, school meetings, and grocery runs. Children are being taught ICE protocols at home. Volunteer organizer Abdikarim Farah described the human cost: "Many Somali asylum-seekers in Minneapolis are staying in their apartments for the last two weeks, starving."
More than 20 Somali individuals were swept up in raids as of mid-December 2025, according to community leaders.
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