Immigrant Restaurant Struggles Amid Federal Crackdown in Minneapolis

Thu Jan 22 2026 07:59:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Taste of East African, a small Somali restaurant in Minneapolis, faces economic challenges due to increasing fears among patrons and staff amid heightened immigration enforcement. The restaurant's owner shares her concerns about sustainability as support from the community shifts.

The Taste of East African restaurant in Minneapolis is experiencing significant drops in business due to fears surrounding federal immigration enforcement. With many of its usual customers avoiding the establishment, the manager describes the impact of the crackdown on employee attendance and customer trust. Efforts to support the restaurant from local residents have emerged, but the manager worries about the long-term viability of this assistance.

At Taste of East African in Minneapolis, the restaurant's manager and owner are the only ones working, serving customers who are not familiar with the cuisine. They come to support a restaurant amid a significant federal immigration enforcement surge that has led to fears within immigrant communities. Staff and regular patrons have stayed away, afraid of potential consequences linked to immigration actions, which have discouraged delivery services from accepting orders in the area.

Hibaq Nimale, a U.S. citizen and manager raised as a refugee from Somalia, notes, “Everyone is scared,” reflecting growing anxiety as protests erupt against businesses perceived to be aiding immigration enforcement. As Minneapolis sees an increase in ICE activity, other businesses are suffering from reduced foot traffic and sales as fearful customers opt to avoid places they believe could put them at risk.

The negative economic impact is highlighted in a lawsuit filed by Minnesota officials seeking to halt immigration operations, which claims some businesses have experienced sales declines of up to 80%. Reports indicate that nearly 20% of surveyed businesses report reduced employment due to fears of enforcement actions.

In this climate, hotel chains also face uncertainty, with some canceling reservations for federal officers after facing protests. Nimale's restaurant has received some support from non-immigrant neighbors, filling gaps left by a loss of regular customers, but she remains concerned about the sustainability of this help.

Despite these challenges, Nimale emphasizes the need for community solidarity but is wary about the restaurant's ongoing viability amidst such uncertainty generated by current enforcement policies.