Ramadan 2025 Begins Under Shadow of Immigration Raids in Twin Cities

Muslims in the Twin Cities are preparing for Ramadan after weeks of disruption caused by a large-scale immigration operation. Operation Metro Surge, launched by the Trump administration, saw around 3,000 officers arrest over 4,000 undocumented immigrants in Minnesota. The crackdown has left the community on edge as the holy month approaches.

The operation began with armed, masked agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducting raids across Minnesota. Over 4,000 people were detained, and two US citizens were killed during the enforcement. Businesses like Qamaria and Karmel Mall reported a sharp drop in foot traffic, with restaurants, shops, and mosques suffering financial losses.

No official figures have been released regarding unaccompanied minors detained during the operation. Meanwhile, the city's Muslim population—estimated at over 100,000—has faced unprecedented disruption to daily life. Many have lived in Minneapolis for more than a century, but the raids have made congregating risky.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, starts this Wednesday in North America. For 30 days, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, gathering to break their fast, pray, and support one another. This year, however, fear of further enforcement has overshadowed preparations.

Community and interfaith leaders are now working to boost morale, correct misinformation, and show solidarity. Their efforts come after Tom Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge, offering some relief ahead of Ramadan.

The operation has left lasting effects on the Twin Cities' Muslim community, with businesses struggling and residents wary of gathering. As Ramadan begins, many hope for a return to normalcy after weeks of heightened enforcement. The focus now shifts to rebuilding trust and supporting those affected by the crackdown.