As the federal immigration enforcement surge enters its third month in Minnesota, workers across industries are navigating an increasingly complex relationship with their employers. Those employees, including workers at airport restaurants and lounges, all were extensively vetted by the Transportation and Security Agency before receiving airport badges, with background checks going back 10 years. West Photo in northeast Minneapolis closes on Jan. 23, 2026, for a statewide economic shutdown protesting federal immigration activity in the Twin Cities. Credit: Chris Juhn for Sahan JournalRecourse for workersEmployment attorney Katherine Rollins says Minnesota workers fearing workplace raids have two standard protections available to them. Employees facing serious mental distress because of increased federal enforcement can use Earned Sick and Safe Time for up to three days without questions asked by an employer.