rights
Queer businesses are cleverly fighting Trump's anti-immigrant raids
By Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation
· June 11, 2026
· 1 min read
Community advocacy, protest, and mutual aid weren't new concepts for queer businesses and their employees before Donald Trump unleashed Operation Metro Surge on Minnesota late last year. When the brutal immigration raids began, queer businesses were as ready as they could be for the chaos, financial
Why this matters
The response of queer businesses in Minneapolis to the anti-immigrant raids highlights the interconnectedness of social justice issues and the community's ability to mobilize in the face of adversity. By repurposing their businesses as hubs for mutual aid and resistance, queer-owned establishments like the Smitten Kitten demonstrate the critical role that LGBTQ+ spaces can play in supporting marginalized communities. The fact that these businesses were able to pivot quickly in response to the raids suggests a pre-existing infrastructure of community support and activism, one that is likely to be leveraged in future social justice movements. As the national landscape continues to shift, with varying levels of legal protections and policies across states, the actions of queer businesses in Minneapolis serve as a model for community-led resistance and solidarity, underscoring the importance of local activism in the pursuit of national LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 11, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Community advocacy, protest, and mutual aid weren't new concepts for queer businesses and their employees before Donald Trump unleashed Operation Metro Surge on Minnesota late last year. When the brutal immigration raids began, queer businesses were as ready as they could be for the chaos, financial
When was this published? This article was first published on June 11, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .