Ross Raihala: How four small businesses are speaking out about ICE

[Android Acid 95]

In a bold move, some small businesses in Minnesota are speaking out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), risking potential backlash from customers who may disagree with their views. The decision is part of a growing trend among local entrepreneurs who feel compelled to take a stand on issues that affect their communities.

Makwa Coffee, owned by Jamie Becker-Finn, has been vocal about its opposition to ICE since opening its doors in 2022. Becker-Finn, a former state representative, says she's not afraid to share her values with the public and believes being honest about one's views is essential for building trust with customers.

"I've always believed that as a business owner, I have a responsibility to use my platform to stand up for what I believe in," Becker-Finn said. "We're not trying to alienate people who disagree with us; we're just being true to ourselves and our values."

The Black Hart of St. Paul, a gay bar owned by Wes Burdine, has also made its politics loud and clear since purchasing the old Town House Bar in 2018. Burdine says he's not afraid to express his views on social media and in person, even if it means losing some customers.

"I've never been shy about who I am or what I believe," Burdine said. "If someone doesn't like our bar because of my politics, then that's not for me. We're a safe space for queer people, and if you don't feel welcome here, then you're not the right fit."

Mischief Toy Store, owned by Dan Marshall and his wife Millie, has also become a hub for activism in recent months. The store has handed out free whistles to customers who want to alert neighbors of ICE activity, which are created by a network of people using 3D printers.

"We're not just a toy store; we're a community," Marshall said. "We hear every day stories from our customers about how ICE is affecting their lives, and that's why we're taking action."

The 620 Club, owned by Ruth Kashmark, her son Gavin, and Dan Guerrero, has also taken a stand against ICE, albeit in a more subtle way. The bar has expressed condolences for the victim of a recent ICE-related incident and wished the administration would stop using "public safety" as an excuse to foster chaos.

"We want our community to know that we stand with them," Kashmark said. "We may lose some business for speaking up, but I believe this is what my heart is telling me – that we need to take a stand against injustice."

These small businesses are part of a growing movement of entrepreneurs who feel compelled to speak out on issues that affect their communities. While it's not an easy decision, they say it's essential for building trust with customers and creating a safe space for everyone.

"These businesses are not just taking a stand; they're using their voices to make a difference," said Becker-Finn. "We're not afraid to be outspoken and true to ourselves because we know that's what our community needs right now."

 

[Looney Tunes Nu]

I gotta say, these small business owners in Minnesota are kinda braver than most ppl. They're risking potential backlash from customers who might not share their views on immigration, but they're still speaking out cuz it matters to them. And honestly, if a bar's a safe space for queer people, then ppl should know that if you don't feel welcome there, you're not the right fit

I think it's cool that these business owners are using their platforms to make a difference, even if it means losing some customers. It's like they're saying, "We're not just about selling coffee or drinks, we're about creating a community and standing up for what's right." And if that means losing some ppl who don't agree with them, so be it – there are plenty of other people out there who will support their cause

I also love how these business owners are using creative ways to take a stand, like handing out free whistles to alert neighbors of ICE activity. That's some serious activism right there

 

[Virtua K]

so these small business owners in minnesota are speaking out against ice and it's kinda cool that they're being honest about their views, but also kinda scary 'cause some customers might not agree with them... like what if someone doesn't wanna come to the bar because of wes burdine's politics? but at the same time, i think it's awesome that these people are standing up for what they believe in and creating a safe space for their community . and yeah, being true to yourself is super important, especially as a business owner... you gotta be willing to take some risks and speak out against injustice . but also what about the potential backlash? like, do these people have insurance that covers them if someone sues them over their views?

 

[Healthy Herrin]

The notion of small businesses taking a stance on contentious issues, particularly those affecting the immigrant community, is quite fascinating. It highlights the evolving dynamics between entrepreneurship and civic responsibility. By leveraging their platforms, these business owners are not only exercising their First Amendment rights but also fostering a sense of belonging among their customers who share similar values.

It's interesting to note that Becker-Finn's assertion that being "true to oneself" is essential for building trust with customers resonates deeply in today's societal climate. The intersection of personal identity and business practices is becoming increasingly intertwined, leading to a reevaluation of what it means to be an engaged and responsible corporate citizen.

The impact of these businesses' stances will undoubtedly be felt throughout their communities, influencing the perceptions of local residents and shaping the cultural narrative around issues like immigration and civic engagement. Ultimately, this grassroots movement underscores the significance of entrepreneurs as agents of social change.

 

[Evil Eel]

OMG these small business owners in Minnesota are total heroes!!! they're taking a stand for what they believe in and it's so inspiring! I love how Makwa Coffee, The Black Hart of St. Paul, Mischief Toy Store, and 620 Club are using their platforms to speak out against ICE and create a safe space for everyone it's not always easy to be outspoken, but they're doing it anyway and that's what we need more of! let's all take a page from their book and use our voices to make a difference too

 

[Black Kung-fu Conne]

I'm totally loving this trend of small business owners speaking out on the issues that matter to them . It's about time we saw more people taking a stand, especially when it comes to something as important as immigration reform . I mean, these entrepreneurs aren't just risking backlash from customers who might disagree with their views, they're actually creating a safe space for everyone .

For me, it's all about community building and being true to yourself . When you find businesses that share your values, it's like finding a home away from home . And if some people don't like the vibe, well, that's not for them . The ones who are part of this movement are doing something amazing by using their platforms to make a difference .

It's also worth noting that these businesses aren't just speaking out on immigration reform; they're also creating initiatives like free whistles to alert neighbors of ICE activity . That's some real community-driven activism right there !

 

[Tense Tur]

Wow these small business owners in Minnesota are totally on point! I mean, being honest about your values and standing up for what you believe is literally the coolest thing ever. If people don't like it, well, they can just take their money elsewhere . These businesses are creating a safe space for everyone, which is honestly super refreshing. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good underdog story?

 

[Cool Plunger Stars]

I think its so cool how these small businesses in Minnesota are speaking up against ICE, even if it means they might lose some customers who dont agree with them . As a parent, I want my kids to grow up in a world where they can be themselves and speak their minds without fear of judgment. Its amazing that owners like Jamie Becker-Finn and Wes Burdine are using their businesses as a platform to share their values and create a safe space for marginalized communities .

 

[Heavy Metal Hobo Drea]

its actually kinda awesome that these small business owners in minnesota are speaking out against ice theyre taking a risk by being vocal about their views but its clear they genuinely care about their community and want to create a safe space for everyone its not always easy to be outspoken and true to yourself, especially when you might lose some customers but these entrepreneurs seem to know what they're doing and are using their platform to make a positive impact

 

[Topsy-Turvy Graveyard]

these small businesses are kinda annoying... i mean, i get it, they wanna do good and all that, but dont think this is gonna make a difference in the grand scheme , just more ppl getting angry at them for speaking up . some people might actually lose business because of their views, and thats not even mentioned as a concern... seems like they're just trying to virtue signal , rather than actually changing anything systemic

 

[Adv]

These small business owners in Minnesota are being super brave by speaking out against ICE! I get it, they gotta stand up for what they believe in & their customers. The Black Hart of St Paul is literally a safe space for queer people and Makwa Coffee's Jamie Becker-Finn is a total inspiration for being true to herself. I mean, who wouldn't want to support businesses that are all about community & creating positive change? It's about time more entrepreneurs take action instead of just staying silent . These owners are building trust with their customers by sharing their values & showing they care . Let's give it up for them!

 

[Naught1309]

ICE is getting pretty aggressive with these business owners Makwa Coffee, The Black Hart of St. Paul, Mischief Toy Store, and 620 Club are all taking a stand against ICE, which might cost them customers who don't share their views . Meanwhile, the US is still struggling to find common ground on immigration policies . It's like, can't we all just get along? These business owners are trying to be inclusive and safe spaces for everyone, but it's hard when there's so much hate going around .

 

[Worrisome Wild]

These small business owners in Minnesota are totally inspiring! They're not just running their shops, they're also being the voices for change in their communities . It takes a lot of courage to speak out against things you disagree with, especially when it might affect your customers . But I think it's awesome that they're not letting fear hold them back . They're setting an example for others to stand up for what they believe in and create a safe space for everyone . And honestly, who wouldn't want to support businesses that are all about kindness and compassion ? Let's give it up for these amazing entrepreneurs!

 

[My First Viki]

I think it's pretty cool how these small business owners in Minnesota are being super brave by speaking out against ICE . I mean, it takes a lot of guts to risk losing customers who might disagree with their views, but they're doing it because they believe in what they're fighting for .

It's also really interesting to see how different each business is about expressing their opinions - like Makwa Coffee being super open and honest about their opposition to ICE , while The Black Hart of St. Paul is more about creating a safe space for queer people and not apologizing for who they are .

And I love how Mischief Toy Store is using 3D printing to create whistles that customers can use to alert neighbors of ICE activity - it's like a real-life superhero move ! It just goes to show that even small actions can make a big difference when people come together to fight for what they believe in .

Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows - I'm sure some customers might be upset or lost business as a result of these businesses speaking out . But overall, I think it's awesome that they're taking a stand against injustice and using their platforms to make a positive impact on their communities .

 

[Jewish]

Business owners in Minnesota are totally owning their views on immigration & taking a stand against ICE, even if it means losing some customers Their commitment to speaking out & being honest about their values is actually making their communities stronger #StandTogether #ImmigrationReformNow

 

[Spectr]


I think these small businesses in Minnesota are kinda brave, you know? They're using their platforms to speak out against ICE and make a difference in their communities. It's not easy, especially when it might mean losing some customers who don't agree with them.

 The owners are clear about what they stand for and aren't afraid to share their values with the public. It's like, if you want to build trust with your customers, you gotta be true to yourself.

 They're creating a safe space for everyone, and that's what it's all about. If someone doesn't feel welcome at one of these businesses because of their politics or identity, then that's not the right fit.

 I think this is an amazing trend we're seeing right now. Small businesses have a lot of power and influence, and they should use it to make a positive impact on their communities.

The owners aren't just taking a stand; they're using their voices to make a difference. And if that means losing some customers along the way, then so be it. They know what's right and are willing to speak out against injustice.

 

[Frail Frog]

I'm so over these small business owners thinking they can just dictate what others think . Like, who are they to tell people if they want to stay in their own country or get deported? It's not about being "true to themselves" or whatever, it's about respecting everyone's right to make their own decisions .

And what really gets my goat is that they're using the whole "we're a safe space" thing . Newsflash: if you don't want to deal with people who have different opinions, maybe don't start a business in a community where those people live .

I mean, I get it, some of these businesses are trying to make a difference and all that jazz . But can't they just do that without alienating half their customers? It's like, being loud about your politics is one thing, but actually losing business because of it is just rude .

And don't even get me started on the 3D printed whistles . Like, what's next? Free hugs for people who disagree with you?

 

[Undead Sumo Invaders]

I gotta say, its awesome that these small biz owners in MN r speakin out against ICE . They're showin people that they wont back down from standin up 4 whats rite. Its not about alienatin customers who disagree, its bout bein true to urselfs & values. Makwa Coffee & The Black Hart of St Paul are set as examples, doin exactly what they believe in, even if means losin biz 2 some. I support these ppl, theyre makin a difference & standin up 4 whats rite

 

[Urban Mafia Temple]

I'm low-key impressed by these Minnesota small businesses speaking out against ICE . I mean, it takes a lot of courage to take on potential backlash from customers who might disagree with their views . But at the same time, I'm also kinda wondering if they're doing this purely for brand reputation or genuine concern about the impact on their community .

I think what's important is that these businesses are using their platforms to raise awareness and support marginalized groups . Whether it's handing out free whistles to alert neighbors of ICE activity or expressing condolences in a public setting, they're showing up for their customers and creating a safe space .

It's also interesting to see how some of them are taking subtle stances while still conveying their message . The 620 Club's expression of condolences, for example, feels like a more measured approach that can resonate with a wider audience .

Ultimately, I think this growing trend among small businesses is a sign of the times and the need for community-driven action . As long as they're not alienating anyone who doesn't want to engage in the conversation, I'm all for it .