Dozens 'dine-in,' rally at immigrant-owned restaurants in northeast Minneapolis to protest ICE

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MPR Minnesota Public Radio, 3/1/26

Although there’s been a reduction in the number of ICE agents in Minnesota, community activists say the fear of ICE still prevails and restaurants continue to lose business.

That’s why dozens of people gathered to eat at several immigrant-owned restaurants along Central Avenue in northeast Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon. Some of the businesses included El Taco Riendo, Holy Land and The Golden Nuts.

Yates was one of about 10 people who were eating chicken and beef shawarmas inside of Holy Land, a Palestinian-owned restaurant serving Mediterranean food. They say it’s important to recognize communities are still being impacted by ICE.

. . .

“The raids are still happening,” said Yates. “Our political leaders haven't done enough to mitigate the effects of ‘Metro Surge.’”

Others found ways to support restaurants like Maya Cuisine that were closed for the day. Bre Krzyzanowski was among a handful of people standing outside the restaurant holding signs that said “ICE Out Now" and "We Love Our Immigrant Neighbors."