Walz Proposes $10 Million Relief Package for Minnesota Businesses Affected by ICE Operations

The governor wants forgivable loans for small businesses that say they lost revenue during the federal immigration enforcement surge.

Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a press conference at the state Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 3, 2026. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday proposed a $10 million one-time relief package for the state’s small businesses he said were impacted by recent federal immigration enforcement operations, pitching the plan as a way to help businesses keep workers on payroll and stabilize after weeks of disruption.

The proposal followed an announcement by White House Border Czar Tom Homan that the federal surge in Minnesota is coming to an end after six weeks. Walz said the state remains focused on recovery as federal authorities “move on to whatever next thing they want to do.”