In a bold move reflecting the tense atmosphere in Minneapolis, a beloved Indian restaurant has taken a dramatic stand. Curry Corner, a family-owned eatery in Northeast Minneapolis, has announced a temporary shutdown, citing safety concerns related to the heightened presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state. This decision underscores the growing unease among local businesses and residents over recent enforcement actions.
Restaurant Closure Amid Safety Fears
Last week, Curry Corner shared a statement on Instagram revealing its closure "until further notice." The post explained that the choice was made to protect the staff and team members from ongoing safety issues in Minneapolis. "Due to ongoing safety concerns in Minneapolis, we’ve made the very difficult decision to temporarily close to protect our team," the restaurant stated. This closure poses significant financial challenges for the small business, prompting the launch of a GoFundMe campaign to support its employees during this period.
Community Support Through Fundraising
The fundraiser has garnered substantial community backing, raising over $25,000 toward its $26,000 goal. This financial aid is crucial as the closure brings "a major financial hardship to our small, family-owned business," as noted in the Instagram post. The response highlights the solidarity and empathy from patrons and supporters who value the restaurant's role in the local culinary scene.
Solidarity with Anti-ICE Protesters
Despite shuttering its doors, Curry Corner has not stepped back from community engagement. In a show of support for the anti-ICE protests sweeping the city, the restaurant's staff have been actively distributing snacks to demonstrators. An Instagram video captured a team member handing out hot samosas to protesters, with the caption emphasizing, "We are closed but we are still gonna go out and support our community." The post detailed how they took Curry Corner into downtown Minneapolis to share warm samosas and meals with those standing up for their beliefs.
Broader Protests in Minnesota
This action aligns with a larger wave of dissent in Minnesota. On Friday, a marching protest against ICE took place in Minneapolis, accompanied by a work stoppage across the state. Approximately 300 businesses, including Curry Corner, closed for the day and provided free food to protesters. The protests gained momentum after January 7, 2026, following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in her car, an incident that exposed alleged brutality and sparked public outrage.
Recent Incident Fuels Unrest
Adding to the turmoil, on Saturday, another Minneapolis resident, 37-year-old Alex Pretti, was shot dead by a U.S. border patrol officer, further inflaming tensions both in the city and online. These events have catalyzed calls for ICE agents to leave Minneapolis, with many residents and businesses joining in to demand accountability and change.
Curry Corner's dual approach—closing for safety while actively supporting protesters—illustrates the complex challenges faced by small businesses in times of social upheaval. Their story resonates as a testament to community resilience and the power of grassroots action in addressing pressing issues.
