A Minneapolis-area business owner is working extended shifts to cover for employees who fear immigration enforcement. Michael Knox, co-owner of Toma Mojo Grill in Richfield, Minnesota, has adjusted operating hours and made security changes to accommodate staff concerns.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Knox has reduced the restaurant's hours and taken on additional shifts to ensure operations continue while employees avoid potential ICE encounters. Some staff members have expressed discomfort leaving their homes, prompting Knox to adopt a "no questions asked" policy for absences.
Deeper Dive & Context
Operational Adjustments
Knox has modified the restaurant's schedule, opening later and closing earlier to minimize exposure. He has also installed cameras and altered the storefront to limit visibility into the kitchen. The changes come amid reported ICE activity in the area, though no specific enforcement actions have been confirmed.
Employee Concerns
Employees have expressed fear of being detained or harassed while traveling to work. Knox has accommodated their concerns, though he acknowledges the financial strain of reduced hours and staff absences. He has considered offering better paid time off but cited financial limitations as a small business owner.
Broader Context
National activists have called for economic protests against ICE activity, though Knox did not specify any direct connection to these efforts. The situation highlights the broader impact of immigration enforcement on local businesses and communities.