Marketplace Morning Report Corporate leaders in Minnesota stay silent amid ICE raids. Why?
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Jan 16, 2026 Chris Farrell, a senior economics contributor for Marketplace, dives into the silence of Minnesota's Fortune 500 corporations amidst ICE raids and the tragic death of Renee Good. He explores the impact of enforcement on business disruptions and labor shortages, highlighting how customer behavior is changing. Farrell discusses executives' fears of political backlash and the potential long-term risks of inaction, questioning how this silence could threaten workforce diversity and the competitive edge of Minnesota's economy.
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Corporate Silence Has Economic Costs
- Minnesota's biggest corporations have largely stayed silent after ICE raids and the killing of Renee Good.
- That silence risks long-term economic harm by eroding a culturally diverse workforce and community trust.
Legal Limits Don’t Fully Explain Quiet
- Companies argue they cannot stop immigration officials from entering public spaces and have thus said little.
- That legal reality doesn't fully explain why corporate leaders refrain from broader public engagement, given their civic roles.
Raids Hurt Local Demand And Labor Supply
- Local businesses report fewer customers and employers say workers fear coming to shifts after the raids.
- Sectors like farming, restaurants, and construction warn the crackdown creates labor shortages and production bottlenecks.