Target and its new CEO face pressure to take a stand against ICE’s actions in Minnesota

Target CEO Michael Fiddelke is facing increasing pressure to take a stand against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents’ actions in Minneapolis, where the retailer is headquartered. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten criticized Target in a public letter for its “silence” on ICE’s activities in Minneapolis and demanded that the company clearly state its stance on federal immigration agents in the city.

Weingarten expressed deep concern about Target’s silence following ICE and Border Patrol agents’ involvement in the deaths of two Minneapolis residents. As a company that employs 34,000 Minnesotans and benefits from a favorable relationship with the community, Target’s response to the current crisis will define Fiddelke’s time as CEO, according to Weingarten. Despite Fiddelke outlining Target’s business priorities in a recent statement, he refrained from specifically addressing ICE’s activities in Minneapolis.

The joint letter signed by Fiddelke and other Minnesota-based CEOs in January calling for the de-escalation of tensions after the fatal shootings of Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti and Renee Good was deemed by Weingarten as a “productive first step” but lacking in real leadership to end ICE’s occupation in Minnesota. AFT had previously joined a nationwide boycott against Target in response to the company rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

The business community, including Target, is likely to face ongoing pressure related to the events in Minneapolis, according to Alison Taylor, a professor of Business and Society at NYU Stern School of Business. ICE agents have conducted operations in Target parking lots, prompting demonstrations by anti-ICE activists. Additionally, ICE detained two Target employees at a Minneapolis store last month.

Protestors rallied against ICE in front of Target’s Minneapolis headquarters, following demonstrations at 23 of the retailer’s stores in the area. The situation remains tense as stakeholders and consumers demand accountability and action from Target in response to ICE’s activities in Minneapolis. Target has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.