Dee DePass
Reporter
Small BusinessOriginally from the East Coast, Dee earned her undergraduate degree at Vassar College and a master's degree in journalism at the University of Maryland. She has been a journalism fellow at several institutions including the Wharton School of Business, East West Center, Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, and the Sidney Hillman Foundation. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, reading, fitness, and gardening.
Latest from Dee DePass
ICE drawdown may be too late for small businesses like El Sazon
Operation Metro Surge kept many people of Latino and East African descent home, afraid to go to work or out to shops and restaurants. This caused a drastic drop in revenue for small businesses, which are now seeking aid.
February 19, 2026
Trump administration bars green card holders from applying for Small Business Administration loans
The new rule, which goes into effect March 1, says only firms owned by citizens or U.S. nationals will qualify for Small Business Administration loans.
February 11, 2026
Twin Cities immigration crackdown delays home construction, slows real estate market
As immigrant workers move or stay home, a shortage of workers in the trades also is affecting the existing home market and rental owners.
February 9, 2026
Pimento Jamaican Kitchen and owner sued for $1M in unpaid loans, rent
Most of the lawsuits involve the Pimento on the Lake location at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. The owner, Derek “Tomme” Beevas, is known for his community outreach.
February 6, 2026
Advertisement
What’s it like to live in Minnesota right now? Life in the shadow of ICE.
We asked people how their lives have changed, or not changed.
February 3, 2026
Lake Street business owner joins with Latino nonprofit to raise $1M for families
Effort by Colonial Market one of many Minnesota fundraisers popping up to help people impacted by the immigration crackdown.
February 1, 2026
Building Materials Manufacturing lays off 120 workers
Minneapolis plant among several related companies nationally affected by job cuts.
January 28, 2026
Minnesota businesses shut down, protesters hit the streets in bitter cold to protest ICE
Hundreds of small businesses closed their doors Friday to demonstrate against federal immigration enforcement.
January 23, 2026
Advertisement
Businesses close, Minnesotans to stay home Friday in protest of ICE
From restaurants to schools and more, hundreds of locals plan to participate in the “ICE Out! Statewide shutdown” on Jan. 23 to show community unity against federal immigration action in the Twin Cities.
January 22, 2026
Editor's Pick
Businesses turning to temps as employees flock to new paid leave program
Recruiters are adding staffers themselves as companies scramble to cover for employees who applied for the paid leave program that went into effect this month.
January 15, 2026
Immigrant corridors in both Minneapolis and St. Paul nearly shut down by intensifying ICE actions
Revenue is down between 50% and 100% at immigrant-run businesses along Lake Street and on St. Paul’s East Side. Businesses say the impact is worse than COVID’s.
January 14, 2026
Minnesota manufacturers had a tough 2025. They hope tariffs spur reshoring.
Manufacturing sector in the Midwest and the nation lost jobs and saw orders decline as tariff costs jumped.
January 12, 2026
Advertisement