Closing shop Minneapolis businesses hammered as anti-ICE protests rage on: ‘the pandemic all over again’
Businesses and restaurants across Minneapolis, Minnesota, have taken a financial hit with the anti-ICE protests across the city. Getty Images
A wide range of businesses and restaurants across Minneapolis are suffering major financial losses as ongoing clashes between anti-ICE protesters and federal agents continue, according to city officials, with some business owners saying the disruption feels similar to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The demonstrations have sharply reduced customer traffic as people avoid areas affected by unrest. As a result, many businesses have shortened hours, temporarily closed, or seen sales drop significantly.
Staffing has also become a challenge, with some employees unable or unwilling to come to work, further straining employers, said Adam Duininck, CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council.
Duininck estimated that business activity in South Minneapolis—where most of the protests have taken place following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent earlier this month—has fallen between 80% and 100%. Downtown businesses have also seen steep declines.
“January is already a slow time in the restaurant world, but we’re seeing even bigger slowdowns than normal,” Duininck said. “A number of restaurants are reporting revenue at about half of what they would typically expect on a weekday or weeknight in January.”
Fine-dining reservations have slowed as well, and manufacturers are struggling to get workers to report to job sites, creating financial stress for employees and operational challenges for employers.
“All of this is having a real impact on the city and its economy,” Duininck said. “People are saying this feels like the pandemic all over again for some of these businesses.”
Duininck cautioned that conditions may not improve soon, noting that another protest is planned for the upcoming weekend.
“I’m sure it was a pretty slow and quiet weekend for restaurants,” he said. “Many have reduced their hours, and most are taking things day by day, week by week.”
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