$10 Million Now Proposed For Minnesota Small Businesses Hurt By ICE

Border Czar Tom Homan has now officially announced that Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota is coming to an end.

Operation Metro Surge officially began in Minnesota in December 2025, with a major expansion and deployment of 2,000 agents announced by the DHS on January 6, 2026, which led to significant arrests, but also to well-publicized controversy, tension, violent confrontations, including the deaths of two citizens, and a wave of protests.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has repeatedly characterized the deployment of federal agents as being a part of a "federal retribution campaign," serving as political punishment for Minnesota's resistance to Trump's policies and its history of voting against him.

He also said that the federal presence has harmed small businesses and caused "economic destruction" and "long-term damage" to Minnesota communities. Now, Governor Walz is proposing one-time emergency funding to help local businesses recover.

Get our free mobile app

$10 Million Relief Package for Minnesota Small Businesses Proposed

On Thursday, February 12, Governor Walz announced a proposal for $10 million one-time emergency relief aimed at Minnesota businesses that have been impacted by Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota.

The funding will be part of the Governor’s 2026 legislative session package and would be administered through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek, CentroMex Supermarket owner Henry Garnica, and small business owners joined the Governor.

“Recovery will not happen overnight. Families, workers, and business owners are feeling the effects, and our responsibility is clear: we will help rebuild and stabilize these businesses, protect jobs, and ensure Minnesota’s economy can recover and thrive,” said Governor Walz.

Under the proposal, one-time funding would be distributed in forgivable loans ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. Eligible businesses must be able to demonstrate substantial revenue loss during specified dates tied to the surge.

“Many Minnesota businesses, especially small businesses, are facing economic hardships that may prove insurmountable for some. While we know economic repercussions for small businesses will be ongoing, this package could provide some fast relief to businesses that are just barely keeping their doors open,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek.

Commissioner Varilek is also working with the private sector to urge a temporary waiver or reduction of fees for services provided to Minnesota businesses impacted by the surge.

SEE NOW: Several Big Retailers Closing Locations This Year Are Found In Minnesota

Governor Walz also encouraged all Minnesotans to support neighborhood businesses through February’s Shop Local Month and the “Shop Local, Stand Together” initiative, reinforcing that community support, alongside state-backed relief, will be essential to a strong and sustained recovery.