Emergency Support for Somali Small Businesses & Families Impacted by ICE Racial Profiling

Organizer: Minnesota Somali Community Center

For more than 30 years, Somali entrepreneurs have helped revive and sustain Minneapolis neighborhoods from opening grocery stores, restaurants, clothing shops, pharmacies, salons, and service businesses that serve the entire community. These family run businesses are economic anchors, employers, and cultural gathering places that have helped Minnesota thrive.

Today, they are facing an emergency.

A Moment of Grief and Solidarity

Before we go further, we pause to extend our deepest condolences to the families of Renee and Alex. Their tragic loss has shaken our community, and we mourn alongside their loved ones. We also want to thank the neighbors, advocates, organizers, and community members who have shown up, day and night

to protect our communities, stand against fear, and remind us that solidarity still lives in Minnesota.

Your presence has mattered more than words can express.

The Crisis

Over the past two months, an intensified ICE surge and racial profiling targeting Somalis has devastated small businesses across Minneapolis business hubs and community malls. Even families with valid legal documents have experienced harassment, detentions, and family separations.

Fear has driven customers away from public spaces.

Foot traffic has collapsed.

Many businesses report 80–100% loss in sales.

This is not a business downturn, this is a community-wide crisis caused by fear and profiling.

The Human Impact

• Family businesses can’t cover rent, utilities, or inventory

• Workers have been laid off

• Parents are struggling to feed their children

• Families are being torn apart or living in constant fear

Without immediate support, permanent closures are imminent, threatening entire business hubs and the families who depend on them.

How This Fundraiser Helps

Funds raised will provide emergency stabilization support to help Somali-owned small businesses and families survive this crisis, including:

• Rent and occupancy assistance

• Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet, phone)

• Essential operating expenses

• Emergency relief for families left without income

• Short-term stabilization to prevent permanent closures

This support buys time, time for fear to subside, customers to return safely, and families to regain stability.

Why Your Support Matters

When Somali businesses suffer, entire neighborhoods suffer. These businesses are woven into the social and economic fabric of Minneapolis. Protecting them protects jobs, community safety, and local economies.

This moment calls for solidarity, just as Minnesotans have shown time and again when communities face injustice.

Take Action Now

If you are able, please donate today.

If you cannot donate, please share this fundraiser.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps keep doors open, families together, and hope alive.

Thank you for standing with our neighbors and defending dignity, fairness, and community.