The immigration crackdown in Minneapolis is hurting businesses after three months of activity. And it's become so much that the owner of a long time restaurant in downtown Minneapolis owner is afraid he may have to shutdown if it lasts for another three months.
The Loon Cafe has been in business for 47 years, having survived some major challenges including the pandemic, the death of George Floyd and ensuing unrest, crime issues in the city - and even those high state and city taxes.
But owner Tim Mahoney told WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman that if federal agents continue to strike fear in his workers, and business continues to decline, it might come time to call it quits.
Mahoney says business partner were just talking about overcoming obstacles.
"And he said, Isn't it interesting? We've looked for the right to help us for so long and now they're gonna hit us over the head with a 2x4 and possibly knock us out," Mahoney explained.
Mahoney says the fear among his employees, which he describes as having been with him for "many, many years," is significant. He adds the restaurant industry in the Twin Cities has become so paranoid, he was afraid just talking to Hartman on WCCO Radio would open up his restaurant to retaliation.
"They're great workers, they're wonderful people, they go to church on Sundays, they are the people you want in your community, and they're the ones being sought after," says Mahoney. "And it's just unfair."
And he talked about what happened recently when he came across a federal agent's vehicle leaving their St. Paul location.
"Well, next thing I know, he pulls up behind me with his SUV on my tail, and the guy's got his phone out and he's taking pictures and running my plates," says Mahoney. "And they drive by me and there's three ICE agents in the car. Now, what What in the world, what do we come to?"
He says his business is suffering from the fear that his employees feel about possibly being picked up by federal agents, and not coming to work.
"Everyone's on pins and needles, and for the thousands and millions of guests that have come through my doors over the years, you know, they want to support us," Mahoney explains. They want us to succeed."