Minneapolis Gyms Become Community Hubs Amid Immigration Crackdown

Fitness centers shift focus to provide food, shelter, and mental health support for residents affected by heightened federal presence.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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As Minneapolis grappled with the impact of increased federal immigration enforcement, local gyms and fitness studios have transformed into community hubs, providing food, shelter, and mental health support for residents. Gym owners report raising thousands of dollars, delivering truckloads of supplies, and offering free access to help their neighbors cope with the disruption and fear caused by the crackdown.

Why it matters

The continued presence of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis has deeply affected the daily lives of residents, with businesses, schools, and community spaces all feeling the impact. Gyms have stepped up to fill a critical need, leveraging their facilities and tight-knit communities to support those most impacted.

The details

Gyms like Studio ME Fitness, TwinTown Fitness, Grind MPLS, and Solcana Fitness have transformed their spaces to collect and distribute food, basic living supplies, and funds for residents afraid to leave their homes. They've also opened their doors for free, providing a sense of normalcy and a safe space for people to process their emotions. Gym owners report members sitting in their cars for 45 minutes before working up the courage to enter, only to find a dimly-lit space to 'grieve in the dark and get mad in the dark'.

  • On February 12, Border Czar Tom Homan announced the end of the surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
  • Since the start of the Trump administration's 'Operation Metro Surge' in December, the people of Minneapolis have grappled with everyday living alongside thousands of federal agents conducting immigration enforcement.
  • On January 23, gyms like Studio ME organized community members to attend the 'ICE OUT' march.
  • When businesses shut down on January 23 and January 30 as part of community actions, many gyms waived their fees or offered free classes.

The players

Megan Cooper

The owner of Studio ME Fitness in Northeast Minneapolis.

Mara

The general manager and coach at TwinTown Fitness in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood.

Allison Robbins

The owner of Grind MPLS, a spin studio located in North Loop.

Todd Barnette

The Commissioner of the Minneapolis Office of Community Safety.

Tom Homan

The Border Czar who announced the end of the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“Instead of asking our members, how are you doing today? We say, thanks for coming in today.”

— Megan Cooper, Owner, Studio ME Fitness (menshealth.com)

“Too many of our neighbors are feeling fear and uncertainty in our community. The continued presence of federal immigration enforcement agents affects businesses, schools, and disrupts our daily lives.”

— Todd Barnette, Commissioner, Minneapolis Office of Community Safety (menshealth.com)

“It's incredible to see how much people care, and it's not just members showing up with baby formula and diapers, but people from all over the Twin Cities and even Duluth—two hours away!—knocking on our door with carloads of food and basics.”

— Mara, General Manager and Coach, TwinTown Fitness (menshealth.com)

“We bring them 'garage-to-garage,' as I say.”

— Allison Robbins, Owner, Grind MPLS (menshealth.com)

“Even if they need to come in and just lay on the floor, you can come in and lay on the floor today, as long as we are doing it together and in this together.”

— Megan Cooper, Owner, Studio ME Fitness (menshealth.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This story highlights how community-driven businesses like local gyms have stepped up to support their neighbors during a time of crisis, providing not just physical spaces but also emotional and material support. It underscores the vital role that these spaces can play in times of upheaval, and the power of grassroots, values-driven organizations to make a real difference.