business
Twin Cities Somali businesses face long, slow recovery after Operation Metro Surge
By Atra Mohamed and Manali Shah at Sahan Journal
· June 30, 2026
· 10 min read
Businesses owned by Somali Minnesotans continue to struggle months after Operation Metro Surge brought fear and chaos to the state’s immigrant communities.
Shop owners say some customers are returning, but the economic hit has been huge. A legislative effort to provide financial relief failed...
Key takeaway At Madina Mall in Minneapolis , business owners recently told Sahan Journal that the number of shoppers has dropped by at least 20%, and that they are struggling to pay rent.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The struggles of Somali-owned businesses in Minneapolis, such as those in Madina Mall, have significant implications for the local economy and community. As these businesses continue to face declining customer traffic and revenue, the ripple effects are felt throughout the city. The potential closure of shops like Ismail Ahmed's halal market not only means lost jobs and income for owners and employees but also reduces the availability of culturally specific goods and services that cater to the diverse needs of Minneapolis residents. Furthermore, the concentration of these businesses in specific areas like Madina Mall means that the economic impact is disproportionately felt in those neighborhoods, exacerbating existing disparities. As the city and other entities explore ways to provide support, it will be crucial to consider targeted initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by immigrant-owned businesses and promote their recovery and long-term viability.
About this story
Original reporting by Sahan Journal . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Sahan Journal . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: Sahan Journal ·
Reading time: 10 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Businesses owned by Somali Minnesotans continue to struggle months after Operation Metro Surge brought fear and chaos to the state’s immigrant communities.
Shop owners say some customers are returning, but the economic hit has been huge. A legislative effort to provide financial relief failed...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by Sahan Journal and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Atra Mohamed and Manali Shah at Sahan Journal. To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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