Economic Strain in Minneapolis' Somali Community Amid Immigration Crackdown

Sun Jan 18 2026 09:02:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amid rising fears of an immigration crackdown, businesses shutter in Minneapolis' Karmel Mall, an economic hub for the Somali community, highlighting the broader impacts of recent policies.

Karmel Mall in Minneapolis, a vital center for the local Somali population, is feeling the economic pinch as fears around federal immigration enforcement escalate. Shuttered stores and reduced foot traffic dominate the once-bustling mall, with community members expressing concerns over safety and business viability due to heightened scrutiny and recent tragic events.

MINNEAPOLIS — The atmosphere at Karmel Mall, a major commercial hub for the Somali community in Minneapolis, has drastically changed as apprehension over federal immigration enforcement looms. Once vibrant with activity from more than a hundred small businesses catering to the local Somali population, the mall now stands eerily quiet.

The complex, which houses everything from clothing and food stalls to accounting services, has seen a significant drop in foot traffic, leaving many store owners feeling isolated and anxious. Everywhere it’s all been closed up, all the stores, lamented Abdi Wahid, who assists in his family's store.

Fears surrounding immigration agents' watchful eyes have made both sellers and customers hesitant to engage with the mall, pushing some vendors to forgo opening altogether. The economic impact of recent policies, dubbed Operation Metro Surge, has sparked wide-reaching anxiety within the immigrant community, echoing concerns over safety and stability.

With President Trump's administration taking a notably firm stance on immigration, including derogatory remarks directed towards the Somali community following a recent fraud case, the atmosphere has shifted. Wahid stated that afternoons, which once welcomed 15 to 20 customers, now rarely see even one visitor.

This pervasive atmosphere of fear extends beyond immigrants. Local citizens are also hesitant to visit, particularly after tragic events, such as the killing of Renee Good and recent raids in schools.

Business owner Ibrahim Dahiye reports a shocking monthly loss of $20,000, attributing the decline to the current climate of distress. He underscored the emotional toll caused by the crackdown: We believe in Allah, but we can’t do anything. Residents and business owners alike are calling for a fair approach, urging authorities to distinguish between criminals and their larger community.

As the economic struggle in Karmel Mall continues to unfold, the effects of fear and uncertainty over immigration policies profoundly challenge the very foundation of this tight-knit community.