Small business owners at Minnesota’s largest Latine shopping center are calling for government support in the wake of Trump’s ICE surge. The Plaza México shopping mall and food court on Lake Street is home to more than 80 businesses that are seeking funds, and many face the threat of eviction.

As the Minnesota Legislature considers economic relief packages, Plaza México business owners are calling on Governor Walz and legislators to act decisively to expand relief to businesses earning less than $200,000.

Business owner Cristian Arcos says 90% of Plaza México’s stores were shut down for at least two months.

“We barely survived… All of us have applied [for grants], and just a few of us have gotten the grants. We really need help.” Arcos, who owns a multiservice business that processes financial transactions in the shopping center, said.

Plaza México business owners held a press conference on April 10 alongside community leaders from Neighbors United, an organization founded by Somali business owners at Karmel Mall. Business owner Waris Mohamud said, “We’re here to support, we’re going to be hand-in-hand [with Plaza México] … We demand our government to support us.”
Juanita Gonzalez owns a quinceañera clothing store at Plaza México. She said, “My business has been severely impacted because I was closed for three months. I burned through my savings, and I had to take out loans, because there was no money coming in, but a lot of money going out.”

Plaza México workers and customers stayed home regardless of status to avoid abduction and family separation by federal agents.

“It doesn’t matter what your immigrant status is, it’s about looking Latino, looking immigrant, having an accent,” Arcos said.

“Having to stay home for three months was incredibly harmful for us,” Gonzalez said. “Plaza México will not surrender. We need justice. We need to be heard.”