Small Business Owners Ask Lawmakers for Operation Metro Surge Relief

(Learfield News/St. Paul, MN) – There was emotional testimony Wednesday from small business owners statewide impacted by the recent Operation Metro Surge by immigration agents.

A bill at the Capitol would provide 100 million dollars in relief grants.

Maysy Her, who owns a restaurant in St. Paul, is worried about her future. She says small business owners shouldn’t be “left alone to carry all the weight.”

Stephanie Lopez, whose family owns a bar and grill in Willmar, says the fear and risk of detention is so overwhelming that they closed for two months, despite her being a U.S. citizen.

The bill was heard in the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee.

No action was taken.