"On Tuesday morning, just a few stalls were open among the dozens that normally sell food, rugs, clothing and jewelry at Karmel mall, a Somali community hub in Minneapolis. Longtime Minnesotans said they had never seen the mall as quiet as it has been in recent days, almost jarringly still. The bustle was replaced by unease and fear over the Trump administration's menace toward Somalis and increased immigration agents in the city, tasked with targeting Somalis for deportation."
"Now, people are staying home if they can afford to. People don't want to deal with ICE agents coming into their businesses and violating their rights, she said. Outside the mall, volunteer block watchers monitored for signs of ICE activity, ready to alert text chains and start filming if agents come for any of their neighbors. Signs on the entrances to the mall warn that ICE can't enter without a court order."
Karmel mall, a Somali community hub in Minneapolis, has become unusually quiet as many vendors and customers stay home out of fear. Increased immigration agents and rhetoric targeting Somalis have driven residents to carry identification, skip appointments and change daily routines. Volunteer block watchers patrol outside the mall to monitor for ICE activity, alert neighbors and document any attempted detentions. Signs warn that ICE needs a court order to enter. A US military veteran of Somali descent and others express fear of being stopped solely for appearing Somali, and some carry passport photos for protection.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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