Reflecting on recent immigration enforcement and the Chamber’s role in supporting Minnesota business

By Doug Loon
President and CEO
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

As I’ve been thinking about this week’s podcast, I initially expected we would be discussing the start of the legislative session, which kicked off last week, and the Chamber’s priorities for the session. I also thought we might reflect on our successful Session Priorities dinner. But instead, I felt the time was right to share my thoughts on Operation Metro Surge and the Chamber’s engagement throughout the immigration enforcement crisis in our state. This comes in part because several media outlets, including Star Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, Twin Cities Business and other national outlets have taken a closer look at the Chamber’s work and the CEO letter that received attention after it was released in late January.

First, I want to emphasize that the CEO letter was only one part of the Chamber’s broader engagement as we worked alongside business leaders and organizations across the state. From the beginning of the immigration enforcement crisis in Minnesota, we focused on informing and supporting our members, just as we did during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal was to bring clarity and reliable information to businesses so they could navigate uncertainty and remain stable. We listened closely to members, gathered feedback, and worked to identify best practices to support businesses, their customers, and, most importantly, their employees. As the situation evolved, our role also evolved, but our core mission remained the same: supporting Minnesota’s business community.

The Chamber stepped forward as a convener and facilitator during a difficult time for our state. We worked to bring business leaders and government leaders together to focus on real solutions and reach the goal of deescalation. These conversations included federal, state, and local officials, all of whom had an important role to play in reducing tensions and restoring communication. Much of this work happened behind the scenes, not in front of cameras, because our goal was not to seek attention. Instead, we focused on preserving trust and creating a space for honest and productive dialogue, which ultimately helped move the situation toward a drawdown and recovery.

The CEO letter itself was initiated by business leaders who felt a responsibility to speak as civic leaders. The Chamber helped facilitate the process. The timing of the letter was intentional and aligned with ongoing conversations at multiple levels of government to help build momentum toward deescalation. The unified voice of more than 60 CEOs reflected a broader desire for stability and accountability. It demonstrated that Minnesota’s business community expected progress.

Throughout the crisis, our focus remained on supporting businesses, especially small businesses that needed tools, guidance and resources to manage uncertainty. There were critics who felt the Chamber’s work did not go far enough. That is part of public dialogue. But I believe we played an important role by bringing balance, focusing on solutions and helping move conversations forward. Of course, I wish the drawdown of federal agents had happened sooner and that we could have avoided the loss of life in our state.

Looking back on this challenging and meaningful period, I am reminded of the important role the Chamber played. We consistently made the economic case and highlighted the real consequences for workers, families and Minnesota’s long-term competitiveness, while also supporting recovery and healing. As I said at our Session Priorities event before more than 1,700 business leaders and policymakers, our work is not finished. It is leading us toward the next step of advocating for meaningful federal legal immigration reform that brings stability, clarity and a stronger workforce for the future.

Now our focus turns to recovery and healing. I encourage all of us to support local businesses and help them succeed. My ask is simple: visit and support a business in your neighborhood or across the state. Demonstrate your commitment to your community and to Minnesota’s future. Thank you for your input and engagement throughout this process. Your support is invaluable. Together, we can continue working to build a stronger economy. I look forward to connecting with you again on next week’s episode of the Minnesota Business Podcast. Please have a safe and enjoyable weekend.