Minneapolis Businesses Experience Revenue Declines Amid ICE Unrest Impacting Customers and Employees
Former Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf analyzes unrest in Minneapolis following the federal I.C.E. operation and shootings on ‘The Bottom Line.’
A significant financial impact is being felt by a range of businesses and restaurants in Minneapolis as clashes between anti-ICE protesters and federal agents continue. City officials have noted that the situation mirrors the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Protests have deterred customers who wish to avoid the unrest, resulting in decreased foot traffic, temporary closures, and reduced business hours. Many employees have also been unable to report to work, further complicating matters for employers. Adam Duininck, CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, highlighted these issues, stating that the economic repercussions are severe.
A demonstrator blocks a SWAT vehicle while protesting the Trump administration’s push to round up and deport undocumented immigrants on Jan. 17, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Scott Olson/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Duininck estimated that business activity in South Minneapolis, where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot by an ICE agent earlier this month, has plummeted by 80% to 100%. In contrast, downtown businesses are experiencing a downturn of approximately 50%.
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“January is typically a slow month for restaurants, but the current situation has exacerbated this trend,” Duininck noted. “Reports indicate that many restaurants are earning only half of their usual revenue during January weekdays or weeknights.”
Federal agents deal with agitators outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 14, 2026. (Jamie Vera/Fox News / Fox News)
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Additionally, reservations for fine dining establishments have also seen a decline. Manufacturers are facing challenges in getting employees to work, which creates difficulties for both workers seeking paychecks and employers dealing with broader operational impacts.
“This slowdown is definitely affecting the city and its economy,” Duininck remarked. “Many businesses are likening this situation to the pandemic.”
The protests have driven away customers hoping to avoid the unrest, leading to reduced foot traffic, temporary closures and shortened business hours. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)
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Duininck cautioned that the situation is unlikely to improve soon, as another protest is scheduled for this weekend.
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“It was probably a slow and quiet weekend for restaurants,” Duininck added. “Many establishments have reduced their hours in response to the ongoing unrest, and everyone is taking it day by day, week by week.”
Former Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf analyzes unrest in Minneapolis following the federal I.C.E. operation and shootings on ‘The Bottom Line.’
A significant financial impact is being felt by a range of businesses and restaurants in Minneapolis as clashes between anti-ICE protesters and federal agents continue. City officials have noted that the situation mirrors the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Protests have deterred customers who wish to avoid the unrest, resulting in decreased foot traffic, temporary closures, and reduced business hours. Many employees have also been unable to report to work, further complicating matters for employers. Adam Duininck, CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, highlighted these issues, stating that the economic repercussions are severe.
A demonstrator blocks a SWAT vehicle while protesting the Trump administration’s push to round up and deport undocumented immigrants on Jan. 17, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Scott Olson/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Duininck estimated that business activity in South Minneapolis, where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot by an ICE agent earlier this month, has plummeted by 80% to 100%. In contrast, downtown businesses are experiencing a downturn of approximately 50%.
OVER 1,000 ARRESTED IN ‘MASSIVE’ MINNESOTA OPERATION, INCLUDING MURDERERS, RAPISTS, PEDOPHILES
“January is typically a slow month for restaurants, but the current situation has exacerbated this trend,” Duininck noted. “Reports indicate that many restaurants are earning only half of their usual revenue during January weekdays or weeknights.”
Federal agents deal with agitators outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 14, 2026. (Jamie Vera/Fox News / Fox News)
HILTON CUTS TIES WITH MINNESOTA HOTEL OWNER AFTER DHS, ICE AGENTS ALLEGEDLY DENIED SERVICE
Additionally, reservations for fine dining establishments have also seen a decline. Manufacturers are facing challenges in getting employees to work, which creates difficulties for both workers seeking paychecks and employers dealing with broader operational impacts.
“This slowdown is definitely affecting the city and its economy,” Duininck remarked. “Many businesses are likening this situation to the pandemic.”
The protests have driven away customers hoping to avoid the unrest, leading to reduced foot traffic, temporary closures and shortened business hours. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)
HOMAN VOWS TO ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAWS IN TWIN CITIES ‘WITHOUT APOLOGY’ AMID MAYOR OPPOSITION
Duininck cautioned that the situation is unlikely to improve soon, as another protest is scheduled for this weekend.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
“It was probably a slow and quiet weekend for restaurants,” Duininck added. “Many establishments have reduced their hours in response to the ongoing unrest, and everyone is taking it day by day, week by week.”
