Minneapolis Muslims prepare for Ramadan as federal immigration surge winds down and recovery efforts begin

Ramadan approaches amid a shifting enforcement landscape

With Ramadan beginning in North America on Wednesday, Minneapolis’ Muslim community is entering the holy month while adjusting to the announced drawdown of a large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota. The operation—known as Operation Metro Surge—began on December 1, 2025, and brought a sharp increase in federal immigration activity across the Twin Cities and beyond.

Federal officials have reported more than 4,000 arrests during the operation’s early months. The campaign drew sustained protests and intense scrutiny after two U.S. citizens were killed during incidents tied to enforcement activity, raising broader questions about tactics, public safety and accountability.

Economic disruption in community hubs

For many Somali and other Muslim-owned businesses, the weeks of heightened enforcement reshaped daily commerce. Business owners in major immigrant corridors described steep declines in customer traffic as residents limited public outings, including routine errands and visits to restaurants and community marketplaces.

At Karmel Mall in south Minneapolis—an economic and cultural anchor for many Somali Minnesotans—owner Basim Sabri said the crackdown affected rent collections and the ability of small retailers to maintain normal operations. Operators of area cafés and restaurants also described reduced sales during the period when many customers avoided public spaces out of fear of detention.

• Retail foot traffic fell in locations closely associated with immigrant communities.
• Some businesses reported sustained revenue losses during the surge period.
• Faith-centered public life, including visits to prayer spaces, declined for portions of the community.

Religious practice and security concerns

Local faith leaders said attendance at mosques dropped as some worshipers worried about encountering federal agents near religious sites. Community organizations also circulated guidance encouraging individuals to carry identification and immigration documentation during travel to services—steps leaders described as precautionary rather than routine.

In preparation for Ramadan nights—when mosques often see their largest crowds—some Islamic centers and community venues have increased security planning, including additional personnel, upgraded surveillance equipment and coordination aimed at managing large gatherings safely.

“This is the time when we need to lean into our faith more.”

Recovery plans: mutual aid, interfaith support, and proposed relief

As the drawdown proceeds, community leaders are focusing on reopening the social infrastructure that Ramadan typically intensifies: communal iftars, extended business hours, and night prayers. Some businesses are scheduling community events throughout the month, including educational gatherings intended to strengthen ties across neighborhoods.

Interfaith initiatives are also being organized around Ramadan and its overlap this year with Lent, including solidarity messages and volunteer support near houses of worship.

At the state level, Gov. Tim Walz has proposed a $10 million, one-time emergency relief package in the form of forgivable loans for small businesses that can document significant revenue losses tied to the surge. The proposal adds a policy dimension to a recovery that community members describe as both economic and communal, with many families still focused on relatives and neighbors who remain in detention.