Minneapolis Hospitality Workers Wary of ICE's Promises to Pull Back

Union says workers remain fearful despite federal agents' pledge to focus on those with criminal charges or convictions

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:31am

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Hundreds of unionized workers in Minneapolis, including those at hotels, restaurants, and an airport, are still staying out of sight as they wait to see if U.S. immigration enforcement tactics change in the coming weeks, according to a union official. Despite promises from federal agents to take a less confrontational approach, many workers in the hospitality industry remain fearful of encountering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, either at their place of work or in public.

Why it matters

The aggressive immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration have led to widespread criticism, and the new administration has promised a less confrontational approach. However, the lingering fear among hospitality workers in Minneapolis highlights the ongoing impact on local businesses and the strain on economic activity in the city.

The details

Federal agents have said they would focus on immigrants with criminal charges or convictions, but Unite Here union officials say many workers are still too afraid to leave their homes as ICE continues to carry out operations. The Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, did not respond to a request for comment. On January 19, ICE agents staying at the Hilton Homewood Suites in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park arrested a refugee from Nicaragua who worked at the same hotel, despite assurances that he would not be detained if he reported to work.

  • On January 19, ICE agents arrested a hotel worker in Minneapolis.
  • In the past two months, some Minneapolis businesses have reported nearly an 80% revenue decline year-over-year.

The players

Unite Here Local 17

A union that represents up to 7,000 members in the Minneapolis region's hospitality industry.

Christa Sarrack

The president of Unite Here Local 17.

Tom Homan

The newly appointed U.S. border czar leading the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.

Darvin M.

A refugee from Nicaragua who was arrested by ICE agents while working at a hotel in Minneapolis.

Erik Hansen

The director of the Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development department.

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What they’re saying

“There's just a different level of fear in the hotels. Regardless of immigration status, regardless of the color of their skin, they're scared to go into the rooms because they know that this is a group of people that have proven time and again to be violent.”

— Christa Sarrack, President of Unite Here Local 17

“Until there is real accountability and ICE is off our streets, the members will not feel safe.”

— Christa Sarrack, President of Unite Here Local 17

“That is nothing short of catastrophic for many of our businesses, workers and families.”

— Erik Hansen, Director of the Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development department

What’s next

The judge in the case of the arrested hotel worker, Darvin M., will decide on whether to release him from the detention center in El Paso, Texas.

The takeaway

The lingering fear among hospitality workers in Minneapolis, despite promises of a less confrontational approach from federal immigration authorities, highlights the ongoing impact of aggressive immigration enforcement on local businesses and communities. Restoring a sense of safety and security for these workers will be crucial for the city's economic recovery.