Local Somali Bar in Minnesota Bans ICE, Opts for Room-Temperature Cocktails

A popular Somali-owned bar in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood has banned ice from its premises, opting to serve all beverages at room temperature after the owner misinterpreted ongoing protests against federal immigration enforcement.

The decision came after weeks of demonstrations in Minneapolis over Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations targeting the local Somali community.

Owner Abdi Hassan explained that he overheard customers discussing the need to "ban ICE" and remove it from the area entirely.

"I heard people saying 'ban ICE' and 'get ICE out,'" Hassan said. "I thought they meant the frozen water. We don't want trouble here, so I got rid of the ice machines right away."

Two days later, the bar's cocktail menu now features warm versions of classic drinks, including lukewarm mojitos and room-temperature margaritas.

Regular patrons have expressed mixed reactions to the change, with some ordering straight liquor to avoid the warmer mixers.

Hassan emphasized that the move aligns with community concerns. "Everyone is talking about ICE these days," he said. "I support the people. No more cold drinks until things calm down."

The bar has posted a sign at the entrance reading "No ICE Allowed" to make its policy clear. Customers seeking chilled beverages have been directed to nearby convenience stores or told to drink quickly before the liquid warms further.

A few patrons have adapted by requesting extra-strong pours to compensate for the lack of cooling. One regular, who asked not to be named, described a recent gin and tonic as "interesting" at ambient temperature.

Hassan said he plans to monitor the situation closely. "If the protests stop, maybe we bring back the ice," he said. "Until then, warm is the new cold."

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