Our mission at CAA is about compassion — for people and for animals. In the Twin Cities ICE’s actions have made neighbors afraid to leave home. That fear isn’t abstract. It’s emptying events, straining mutual aid, and hurting local businesses — including vegan and vegan‑friendly spots that are cornerstones of our community.
ICE’s Impact on Our Volunteers and Donors
While CAA continues to host events as safe gathering spaces, we’ve heard from several volunteers, donors, and event participants who don’t feel comfortable leaving their homes. Here are two stories from members of our community, who did not want to share their names out of safety:
- Anonymous volunteer: “I am unfortunately going to withdraw from volunteering. Given the situation in Minneapolis right now, I am not feeling comfortable with this since I am a minority with visual impairments — also, for rideshare/other drivers who may be trying to avoid the area. I truly enjoy volunteering at this event and will come to another one soon. In the meantime, I’ve made a donation to help support the cause. It’s heartbreaking what’s happening, and it’s hard to accept that this is our reality right now. But I’m feeling very grateful for CAA and other organizations throughout the Twin Cities who are reaching out, offering support, and standing up for their neighbors and communities. Thank you so much for all you do — for the people and for the animals.”
- Anonymous donor: “I truly appreciate being included and would have loved to attend the donor appreciation party. Unfortunately, given the current situation, I’m taking precautionary measures and staying at home for now.”
These stories are from thoughtful, engaged community members. They want to show up. But when federal enforcement creates fear in daily routines — driving, using rideshare, crossing certain neighborhoods — people pull back. Our collective life gets smaller and less connected.
ICE’s Impact on Restaurants, Businesses, and Workers
Vegan and vegan‑friendly restaurants are part of the fabric that sustains us — and they’re feeling the shockwaves, too. Take these examples, from local businesses:
- Francis Burger Joint closed early one day recently “in solidarity with our community,” writing that they were “horrified,” “scared,” and “furious” about events unfolding in Minneapolis “following the violent detention of one of our team members while lawfully observing on Lake Street.” Other area businesses have also closed to protect staff safety.
- Hola Arepa publicly shared that ICE showed up at their restaurant. They resisted an attempted raid and shared protocols with other restaurants so workers could protect themselves.
- J. Selby’s told their community they reviewed safety protocols for staff and customers “if ICE shows up,” and urged people to support especially impacted neighbors — specifically encouraging orders from Hamburguesas El Gordo, which offers vegan tacos, burgers, and burritos next door to their restaurant.
When workers and customers are afraid to be out, restaurants are often forced to cut hours or close. Shifts are lost and workers’ paychecks are at risk. The chilling effect ripples through families, small businesses, and the local economy.
Food Access and Security Are Compromised in Our Communities
The harm isn’t just to events or restaurants — it reaches the core of how people access food. The Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council (HMFC) warns that fear-driven disruptions are breaking the networks that keep our local food system running: community gardens, food shelves, small grocers, restaurants, delivery, and mutual aid. When workers, volunteers, and families are scared to leave home, it becomes harder to grow, prepare, distribute, and purchase food — especially for the neighbors most at risk of hunger.
As the Food Council notes in a recent statement, this crisis threatens both daily nourishment and the resilience of our local food system. Their call to action includes emergency funding for food security, support for impacted food businesses and workers, full enforcement of the Separation Ordinance, and coordination with the state to stabilize housing — because housing and food access are inseparable.
The Homegrown Food Council concluded their statement by saying:
“When people fear being seized while tending community gardens, delivering produce, grocery shopping, working behind the counter and in kitchens, stocking shelves, or attending food distribution events and people are too scared to leave their homes, our city’s food security and sovereignty are critically compromised.
Food is not just sustenance; it is community, culture, and connection. Immigrants are a critical foundation of our food system in the city and throughout our state. We cannot build a nourished, resilient city when its people live in fear of being taken. Inaction in the face of this crisis is unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with all humans calling for justice, transparency, and the restoration of safety in our city, our state, our planet. HMFC looks forward to Mayor Frey and City Council using the recommendations presented here and taking immediate action.”
Why This Matters
Whatever your politics, we must agree that community safety depends on trust. When people fear going to work, school, the grocery store, restaurants, or events, we erode:
- The volunteer energy that keeps local nonprofits and mutual aid going
- The small businesses — many immigrant‑owned — that anchor our neighborhoods
- Food access, as outlined above
- The simple freedom to gather, care for one another, and live our daily lives
Steps We Can Take Together
- Learn your rights and share info with others. The Immigrant Defense Project has great resources as a starting point. Make a safety plan with your family, coworkers, and neighbors.
- Support local restaurants and workers. Continue to support your favorite businesses or try something new by going out if you’re comfortable. Order takeout or delivery, always tip well, and amplify their social media updates — especially when they’re adjusting hours for safety. Even if you don’t want to go out or order food right now, consider buying gift cards to use later.
- Back trusted legal and community orgs. Donate or volunteer with immigrant‑led groups coordinating assistance. Check out this resource sheet for vetted options and family support info.
- Keep showing up safely. If you’re staying home, that’s okay! Keep connected by joining a virtual event, making a donation, checking in on neighbors, or offering rides when requested and safe to do.
- Call for accountability. Ask local officials and agencies to reject collaboration practices that undermine community trust and safety.
Food Access Resources
At CAA, compassion means ensuring everyone can access nourishing, affordable plant‑based food — fear should never be a barrier to groceries, food shelves, or community meals.
- Twin Cities Mutual Aid Project: Food map with live updates
- Second Harvest Heartland: Find Food (interactive resource map)
- Joyce Uptown Foodshelf (updates and donate)
- NorthPoint Food Shelf (North Minneapolis)
- Community Emergency Service (food shelf + home delivery)
- Waite House Food Shelf (Pillsbury United Communities)
- Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee: Food card fund (groceries for families sheltering in place)
- Ongoing roundup of food drives, delivery, and closures From MSP magazine — frequently updated
Businesses Stepping Up to Help
In light of the current local conditions, many businesses have stepped up to offer options that help the community. Check out these plant-based businesses that are giving back, and how you can help:
- J. Selby’s: At J. Selby’s, you can add a donation in any amount to your order and it will go towards their Community Bowl program. In need of a hot meal? Stop in any time they are open and order the Community Bowl, a hearty blend of rice, beans, and veggies — free of charge!
- Francis Burger Joint: Pay it forward at Francis Burger Joint by purchasing a burger and fries for someone else! Just mention this when ordering, or see the link in their Instagram bio. Frontline workers and those in need can pick up a meal through this new program.
Friday, January 23 — A Day of Truth and Freedom
On Friday, January 23rd, an economic blackout and general strike is planned for Minnesota. Organizers are encouraging everyone to participate by not attending work or school, and not shopping or going out. A march and rally are also planned for downtown Minneapolis that afternoon. Please note that many businesses in our community are participating by closing their doors on this day. Check with individual businesses for more details, and plan on supporting them on other days soon!
What’s Next
We’ll keep lifting up voices — from volunteers pausing participation to immigrant organizers still showing up — because our shared values of safety, dignity, and compassion demand it. Thank you for standing with your neighbors, and with the animals, in a time that asks all of us to choose community over fear.
If you’ve experienced a change in your daily life or the life of your business due to ICE’s presence and want to share (anonymously or named), contact us online. We want to hear your story and will protect your privacy.
Check back on this post, as we may be adding other resources as we hear of them. If you know of others, feel free to let us know too.
