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Ramadan Begins as Federal Immigration Operation Nears End, Minnesota Offers $10 Million Relief

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Operation Metro Surge: Scale, Arrests, and Fatalities The Trump administration launched Operation Metro Surge in December 2025, deploying roughly 3,000 immigration officers to Minnesota. From Dec 1 to Feb 4, 2026 the agents arrested more than 4,000 undocumented individuals, including two U.S. citizens who were killed during the raids. Masked DHS tactics heightened fear across the Twin Cities [1].

Economic Fallout Hits Muslim Businesses and Tenants Foot traffic at Muslim‑owned restaurants, shops, and mosques plummeted, cutting Qamaria coffee shop sales by about 40 % [1]. Karmel Mall collected only 35 % of expected rent, creating a shortfall exceeding $400,000. With over 100,000 Muslims in Minneapolis, congregations fell to less than half their usual size, and many tenants reported depression and fear [1].

Community Leaders Describe Fear and Shrinking Congregations Basim Sabri, a Palestinian‑American landlord, organized a Ramadan iftar at Karmel Mall to boost morale and view it as a duty to help the community recover [1]. Khalid Omar of Dar Al‑Farooq Islamic Center warned that the crackdown weighs heavily on Somali and Muslim residents, advising worshippers to carry passports for safety [1]. Interfaith groups displayed solidarity signs, ICE‑watch volunteers, and planned “coffee with a cop” gatherings to rebuild trust [1].

Ramadan Launches Relief Efforts and Optimism Governor Tim Walz announced a one‑time $10 million emergency relief package for small businesses harmed by the operation [1]. Border czar Tom Homan indicated the month‑long Minnesota operation would conclude as Ramadan begins, sparking cautious optimism among community members [1]. Muslim organizers plan extended Ramadan hours and joint events to foster reconciliation and economic recovery [1].

Sources

Timeline

2025 (early) – Trump administration frames Somalis as a special target in immigration enforcement after Minnesota fraud cases, using language that calls parts of the Somali community “garbage” and “contribute nothing,” which fuels community anxiety and sets the tone for later crackdowns [3].

Dec 2025 – The Trump administration launches Operation Metro Surge, deploying about 3,000 immigration officers to Minnesota to target undocumented immigrants; the operation begins on Dec 1 and runs through early February, marking a massive federal enforcement push [1].

Mid‑Dec 2025 – Fear of the new operation forces Karmel Mall, the nation’s largest Somali‑anchored shopping center, to shutter most of its 100+ stores, with vendors like Abdi Wahid noting “it has been like this for three weeks” [3].

Dec 1 2025 – Feb 4 2026 – Operation Metro Surge arrests more than 4,000 people across Minnesota, including two U.S. citizens killed in confrontations, while masked DHS agents create widespread trepidation among residents and businesses [1].

Jan 18 2026 – Karmel Mall remains largely closed as raid fears persist; only occasional customers venture inside, and vendors report steep revenue losses, with one electronics seller estimating a $20,000 monthly drop [3].

Jan 21 2026 – Minnesota and the Twin Cities file a federal lawsuit seeking to halt Operation Metro Surge, alleging material economic harm as businesses report sales declines up to 80%; simultaneously, hotels such as Hilton DoubleTree, IHG InterContinental, and Hilton Canopy suspend reservations amid protests [2].

Jan 23 2026 – Faith leaders, labor unions, and activists call for a citywide boycott, urging residents not to work, shop, or attend school on Friday to demand an end to ICE actions, intensifying public pressure on the federal crackdown [2].

Feb 17 2026 – Governor Tim Walz announces a one‑time $10 million emergency relief package for small businesses hit by the crackdown, aiming to offset rent shortfalls and lost sales in the Twin Cities’ Muslim and immigrant communities [1].

Feb 2026 – Border czar Tom Homan signals that Operation Metro Surge will conclude with the start of Ramadan, sparking cautious optimism among community leaders and prompting interfaith groups to organize solidarity signs and ICE‑watch volunteers [1].

Mar 2026 – Ramadan begins; Basim Sabri coordinates a large iftar at Karmel Mall, stating “I see fear and depression among tenants and want this gathering to restore morale,” while Khalid Omar warns worshippers to carry passports and notes mosque attendance has fallen to less than half its usual size [1].

Mar 2026 – Muslim organizers extend Ramadan hours at Karmel Mall and launch “coffee with a cop” gatherings to rebuild trust between law‑enforcement and the community, supported by interfaith partners and ICE‑watch volunteers [1].

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