Minneapolis Reels from ICE Surge's Economic, Social Impacts

City study finds 1 in 5 residents in urgent need of food aid after immigration crackdown.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A new city study in Minneapolis has found that one in five residents are now in urgent need of food assistance following a recent surge in immigration enforcement actions by ICE. The findings highlight the staggering economic and societal impacts the crackdown has had on the local community.

Why it matters

The ICE surge has disrupted Minneapolis' workforce, separated families, and strained the city's social services, raising concerns about the broader consequences of aggressive immigration policies on local communities.

The details

According to the city's preliminary report, the ICE operations have led to job losses, business closures, and a sharp rise in food insecurity, with an estimated 20% of Minneapolis residents now requiring emergency food aid. The influx of deportations and detentions has also overwhelmed social service providers and strained the city's budget.

  • The ICE surge in Minneapolis began in late 2025.

The players

Minneapolis

The city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, which has been grappling with the economic and social fallout from increased immigration enforcement actions.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for the surge in immigration crackdowns that have impacted Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“We're seeing the devastating human toll of these aggressive immigration policies play out in our community. Families are being torn apart, businesses are shuttering, and our social safety net is being stretched to the breaking point.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

The takeaway

The ICE surge in Minneapolis has exposed the far-reaching economic and social consequences that aggressive immigration enforcement can have on local communities, underscoring the need for more balanced and humane policies that consider the wellbeing of all residents.