Petition to Oppose the Establishment of DS Kitchen in the Great State of Minnesota, following the statements made allegedly mocking the Somali community’s encounters with (ICE) agents and illegal discriminatory practices by the United States Immigration Enforcement (ICE).

As concerned residents and community members of Minnesota, this petition serves as a formal expression of concern regarding the potential establishment of DS Kitchen within our state. This concern arises from recent public statements made by DS Kitchen on social media platforms, which many have found to be deeply insensitive toward the lived experiences of Somali individuals and the broader community in Minnesota. These statements referenced serious issues, including racism and immigration related struggles in a manner that appeared dismissive and framed as humor. For many, these are not abstract topics or content for engagement, but real and painful experiences. 


Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali communities in the United States. Businesses seeking to operate here should demonstrate cultural awareness, accountability, and respect toward the communities they intend to serve. In addition, DS Kitchen appears to have reposted or amplified content involving Minnesota based creators who spoke out in response to these remarks, which has raised further concern among community members about the potential for harassment or harmful online conduct. Supporting materials referenced in this petition are publicly accessible across social media platforms. 


This issue is not limited to one group alone. It reflects broader concerns about how communities particularly, immigrant and minority communities are spoken about and treated in public discourse. References made to immigration enforcement and related experiences involve complex and sensitive issues, including widely reported concerns regarding discriminatory practices. These topics require care, not dismissal. At this time, DS Kitchen has not adequately addressed or taken clear responsibility for the impact of its statements. We believe that any business seeking to operate in Minnesota should be evaluated not only on its economic contribution, but also on its demonstrated commitment to respectful, inclusive, and non discriminatory engagement with the public. 


This petition does not seek to infringe on lawful business rights, but to ensure that any business operating in Minnesota demonstrates a commitment to respectful, non-discriminatory engagement with the communities it serves. For these reasons, we respectfully urge local licensing authorities, city officials, and relevant decision makers to carefully review whether the establishment of DS Kitchen aligns with community standards, public trust, and the values of inclusivity upheld across Minnesota when evaluating any applications, permits, or approvals. 


In this petition we also call on DS Kitchen to:

1. Issue a clear and sincere public apology to the communities across Minnesota for these remarks
2. Demonstrate a meaningful understanding of the harm caused
3. Commit to respectful and inclusive engagement with all communities moving forward  

Until such actions are taken, we do not support their establishment in Minnesota. This petition is submitted in good faith by concerned residents. It reflects a desire to ensure that businesses operating within our state contribute positively to the communities they serve and do not benefit from conduct that many have found harmful or dismissive of real experiences. 


All supporting statements, materials, and referenced content are publicly accessible across social media platforms. We encourage continued dialogue with community leaders, residents, and relevant authorities regarding these concerns. Although, as of the posting of this petition, DS Kitchen has not formally filed an application to establish a business in the State of Minnesota, this petition is intended to proactively inform relevant stakeholders and decision makers. 


This petition will be shared with resources you can learn more from and relevant authorities you can contact. You are able to inquiry below:

1. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
2. Minnesota Department of Human Rights
3. Minnesota Secretary of State
4. Minnesota Attorney General’s Office 
5. City of Minneapolis Business Licensing
6. Minneapolis City Council
7. Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Economic Development
8. Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota
9. Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Minnesota