With Art And Samosas, Indian Americans In Minneapolis Respond To ICE

Photo: Instagram

India-West News Desk

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Indian Americans in Minneapolis are quietly coping with fear, disruption and financial strain as an intensified Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence ripples through immigrant dense neighborhoods, touching cultural spaces and small businesses alike.

Ananya Dance Theatre, a well known Minneapolis based contemporary dance company rooted in Indian movement traditions and social justice practice has publicly aligned itself with communities affected by ICE actions, using its platform to urge solidarity and vigilance.

In a recent social media post, Ananya Dance Theatre called on people to “stay safe, stand up, hold one another,” adding that it stands “in solidarity with our communities” and explicitly calling for the abolition of ICE. The company also shared a federal action reporting form issued by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, encouraging residents to document enforcement activity.

The message reflects the organization’s long standing political and community focused ethos. Founded by choreographer and scholar Ananya Chatterjea, the theatre blends contemporary dance with principles drawn from Odissi, Vinyasa yoga and the martial art Chhau through its signature movement vocabulary, Yorchhā. Chatterjea, a Guggenheim Choreography Fellow and recipient of the A P Andersen Award, also teaches at the University of Minnesota. Her work has been deeply shaped by the politically charged group theatre traditions of Kolkata, and Ananya Dance Theatre has consistently framed dance as a tool for resistance, healing and collective action.

For Indian owned small businesses, the impact has been more immediate and economic. Curry Corner, a popular Indian restaurant here, has temporarily shut down operations, citing safety concerns for its staff amid the ongoing ICE crackdown. In a statement posted on Instagram, the restaurant said it had made “the very difficult decision to temporarily close to protect our team,” thanking customers for their understanding and support.

Curry Corner’s announcement prompted an outpouring of support online, with customers describing it as a cherished neighborhood spot and urging the owners to prioritize safety.

Even while its doors remain closed, Curry Corner has remained visible in the city’s protest movement. Owners, staff and supporters recently took the restaurant into downtown Minneapolis, distributing free samosas and meals to anti ICE demonstrators. In social media posts, the restaurant said it wanted to “support our community” and show up “the best way we know how, with love and food.” Another message read, “Our hearts are with our community. We see you, we support you.”

Photographs and videos from the event showed customers and team members working together to serve food, with the restaurant expressing gratitude to those who helped and stood “in unity.”