Imagine an entire workforce living in fear, even those with proper documentation, too terrified to leave their homes. This is the stark reality for hospitality workers in St. Paul right now. Two major downtown hotels, the DoubleTree and the InterContinental Riverfront, have temporarily shut their doors, citing 'elevated safety and security concerns.' But here's where it gets controversial: while the owners haven't explicitly linked the closures to ICE operations, union leaders paint a different picture. Christa Sarrack, president of UNITE HERE Local 17, representing 6,000 Minnesota hospitality workers, describes an atmosphere of palpable fear. She reports ICE presence near the hotels, guest cancellations, and workers feeling targeted based on skin color, regardless of their legal status. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just undocumented workers affected. The fear is so pervasive that even documented workers, who've undergone extensive background checks, are staying home. Sarrack highlights the long-term consequences: a depleted workforce in an industry heavily reliant on immigrants. The union is providing essential support to these families, delivering groceries and offering rides, but the question remains: how long can this situation persist? 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has repeatedly sought clarification from Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, the hotels' owner, but as of publication, they haven't responded. This story raises crucial questions about the impact of immigration enforcement on communities and the future of an industry already struggling. Are these closures a necessary precaution or a symptom of a deeper, more systemic issue? We want to hear your thoughts.
