Fear Grips Minneapolis Somali Community Amid Immigration Crackdown

Sun Jan 18 2026 11:07:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The ongoing immigration enforcement under the Trump administration has left businesses in Karmel Mall, an economic hub for the Somali population in Minneapolis, feeling the pressure. Vendors and citizens alike express their concerns over safety and the bleak business climate.

In Minneapolis, the Somali community is facing economic challenges as a result of heightened immigration enforcement. Karmel Mall, which serves as a vital commerce center, reports a significant decline in customer traffic. Business owners cite fear and uncertainty among both immigrants and citizens, particularly following violent incidents and aggressive immigration sweeps. Many are seeing their revenue plummet, with some shops shuttered or operating at minimal capacity.

MINNEAPOLIS — The dire atmosphere at Karmel Mall reveals the impact of a tense immigration climate on local Somali-owned businesses. Rows of shuttered shops echo the sentiments of owners and customers who express fear and anxiety amid the Trump administration's ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.

Abdi Wahid, a worker at his family's convenience store, lamented, Everywhere it's all been closed up, all the stores. Normally bustling with clientele, the mall has seen a significant drop in visitors due to fears of federal immigration agents patrolling the area.

Karmel Mall is not just a marketplace; it is the heart of the local Somali community, providing a space for shops, housing, and a mosque. However, as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration crackdowns—specially targeting the Somali population—small business owners report a downturn that threatens their very livelihoods.

Wahid shared his observation that early afternoons that used to bring in 15 to 20 customers now struggle to attract even one. This sentiment is echoed across the mall, where vendors sit and wait for customers who no longer feel safe coming inside.

The government is not doing the right thing, said Bashir Garad of Safari Travel & Accounting Services. He reported losing most of his clientele due to fears that traveling might hinder their ability to return to the U.S. His business has suffered tremendously, mirroring a broader trend across the mall.

Such fear extends beyond immigrants: citizens also hesitate to visit shops, worried they might be targeted by association. Ibrahim Dahiye, who runs an electronics store, reported losing $20,000 monthly since the crackdown began, leaving his store nearly empty and its employees reluctant to come to work.

Despite the prevailing uncertainty, community members express a resilient faith. As Wahid put it, We believe in Allah, but we can’t do anything. The ongoing situation is a stark reminder of how policy changes ripple through communities, creating an environment where fear stifles economic activity and community ties.