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January 25.2026

2 Minutes Read

Minnesota's Small Businesses Protest ICE: Community First, Profits Second

Minnesota small businesses gather supplies; cat on chair.

Small Businesses Take a Stand

Across Minnesota, small business owners are recalibrating their operations amid intense protests against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. In January, typically a slow time for retail, many in the Minneapolis area have swiftly shifted their focus from profit to community support. As tensions escalated following a series of fatal confrontations involving federal officers, business owners like Dan Marshall of Mischief Toys have turned their stores into hubs for activism, distributing 3D-printed whistles that protesters use to signal alerts during encounters with ICE agents.

The Impact of Local Protests

This January, a series of demonstrations transformed the landscape of economic activity in the Twin Cities as Minnesotans united. The protests peaked during what was termed the "Economic Blackout Day," which saw over 200 businesses deliberately close to demonstrate solidarity against ICE's operations. This move not only showcased their opposition to federal immigration actions but also highlighted local solidarity, as people chose to prioritize their community over minimal profits.

A Shift in Retail Focus

Traditionally a time for restocking and preparing for tax season, January now presents a uniquely different scenario for retailers in Minnesota. Many small businesses, including Catzen Coffee, have opened their doors not for commerce but as safe spaces for community members feeling the stressed effects of current events. Owner Vanessa Beardsley acknowledged that for many businesses, including hers, the survival of community and moral implications take precedence over the day's earnings.

Community Beyond Commerce

The movement extends beyond a mere economic stance. For many business owners, social engagement has become a form of community resilience. Matt Cole of Oh Yeah! Cookie Company expressed, "January always sucks," implying that community connection during a crisis can offer more meaning than sales figures during sluggish months. Retailers have articulated that this unique bonding experience, born out of adversity, has fostered a deeper connection with their customers than ever before.

The Road Ahead

With the ongoing confrontations escalating, experts predict that local businesses may continue to face both challenges and opportunities for relationship building amid this political climate. Future protests are likely as public discontent peaks regarding the treatment of both immigrants and citizens in these situations. In the meantime, small business participation in activism is determining a new narrative in Minnesota — one that champions community solidarity and activism over simple commerce.

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Minnesota's Small Businesses Protest ICE: Community First, Profits Second

Small Businesses Take a Stand

The Impact of Local Protests

A Shift in Retail Focus

Community Beyond Commerce

The Road Ahead

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