Three Months After Federal Raids, Twin Cities Immigrant Community Faces Ongoing Economic Crisis
The Operation
Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale federal immigration enforcement action conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), resulted in the arrest of over 3,000 individuals. During the operation, two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal agents. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino described the strategy as "turn and burn." The operation involved the use of unmarked vehicles and masked agents. In response, community members established neighborhood watches and volunteer networks to assist immigrants who were afraid to leave their homes.
"Turn and burn" — Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino on the operational strategy.
Economic Impact
Three months after the operation concluded, multiple economic consequences continue to reverberate through the local community.
Business Closures
- Restaurant owners Miguel Hernandez Sr. and Rosa Zambrano reported a 60% loss in sales and plan to close their business in two years due to unrecoverable revenue loss.
- Pablo Alcaraz and María Peñalosa lost their restaurant, Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant, which had previously generated a $15,000 monthly profit. They now rely on leftover frozen food.
Employment and Wages
- Day laborers V and R reported a decrease in wages from $20-25 per hour to $15-17 per hour, along with inconsistent work leading to rent arrears.
Personal Debt
- A seamstress identified as Y, who was detained despite having a work permit and a U visa application, accumulated over $13,000 in debt after her release. She anticipates that her daughter's college plans will be affected.
Housing
- Eviction filings in Minneapolis rose 26% in April compared to the previous year.
Aid and Donations
Donations to local mutual aid groups have declined significantly since the operation ended in February.
- A fundraiser held by the group Juntos Podemos in late April aimed to raise $20,000 but only reached $15,000.
- A separate neighborhood rent relief effort, run by Sulia Altenberg, received $8 in a single night in late April, compared to up to $10,000 per day in February and March.
From $10,000 per day to $8 in a single night — the dramatic drop in rent relief donations.
- Altenberg's group received $300,000 in foundation money in April, but stated that those funds have been fully distributed.
- Co-founder of Juntos Podemos, Anaí Tepozteco, stated the group wants to continue assisting families with food and rent.
- Co-founder of another aid group, Alexandria Guzman Gomez, stated that community members are burnt out and lack time and money to volunteer or donate.