LocalBusiness News & Analysis

Operation Metro Surge Causes $46M Loss for Minneapolis Stores

Operation Metro Surge, led by the Department of Homeland Security from early December to mid-February, has left a lasting impact on Minneapolis businesses. The operation resulted in a $46 million loss for immigrant-owned businesses in the Lake Street commercial district during December and January, with foot traffic and spending remaining significantly lower than usual. Daniel Hernandez, owner of Colonial Market grocery stores, has seen sales drop by roughly 60% since his store's parking lot became a frequent stop for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. This decrease in business activity mirrors trends observed in other U.S. cities targeted by similar operations, which experienced a nearly 3% decline in weekly foot traffic and a drawdown of over 6% in spending. For investors and business owners, these figures underscore the economic challenges that immigration enforcement operations pose to local economies, particularly those with a high concentration of immigrant-owned businesses.