ICE Came to Town and Left Behind Weakened Economies
Research links ICE enforcement surges to lasting declines in local spending, foot traffic and jobs. In Minneapolis, businesses are still recovering.
TL;DR
- Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis resulted in significant economic damage to local businesses, with sales declining by up to 60% for some.
- Research from the University of Pennsylvania shows that cities with immigration raids experienced declines in foot traffic and spending, leading to billions in lost revenue nationwide.
- Immigrant-owned businesses in Minneapolis's commercial district cumulatively lost an estimated $46 million in December and January following the surge.
- Employment dropped in U.S. cities experiencing immigration enforcement surges, with the most-impacted cities showing a 0.4% employment shortfall six months later.
- Despite some recent signs of recovery, such as increased foot traffic for events, many businesses and residents remain fearful of potential future immigration enforcement actions.
- The economic impact extends beyond immigrant communities, affecting various businesses and non-profits that rely on consumer spending.