Minneapolis activists are urging national retailer Target to take a stand against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents amid reports of violent detention of two employees at one of its stores. A small group of clergy members and supporters gathered outside Target's downtown Minneapolis headquarters, chanting slogans such as "Immigrants are welcome here" and "Target, you have the power".
The protest is part of a renewed movement to boycott the retailer over its ties with ICE. Recent weeks have seen calls for a boycott reach new heights after an ICE agent shot and killed Minneapolis resident Renee Good on January 8. Two employees at Target's Richfield store were detained by masked agents who forced them into handcuffs, sparking outrage among activists.
"We need Target to stand up where it really matters right now," said Grant Stevensen, a Lutheran pastor in Minneapolis who organized the protest with Unidos, an immigrant-led organization that advocates for working families.
The group has been demanding that Target speaks out against ICE's violent treatment of employees and calls for Congress to stop funding the agency. Despite this, the corporation remains silent on the matter.
Target has faced public backlash before over its policies and practices, including a 2016 boycott launched by conservatives after it announced support for transgender customers. The company also faced criticism for selling Pride merchandise at fewer stores last year.
Activists point to these past examples as evidence that nonviolent activism can pressure companies into taking action. They say that the situation with ICE is particularly urgent and that businesses have a moral obligation to stand up against such actions.
As the boycott movement gains momentum, activists plan to hold sit-ins, demonstrations, and other events outside Target stores across Minnesota until the company takes a clear stance on ICE.
The protest is part of a renewed movement to boycott the retailer over its ties with ICE. Recent weeks have seen calls for a boycott reach new heights after an ICE agent shot and killed Minneapolis resident Renee Good on January 8. Two employees at Target's Richfield store were detained by masked agents who forced them into handcuffs, sparking outrage among activists.
"We need Target to stand up where it really matters right now," said Grant Stevensen, a Lutheran pastor in Minneapolis who organized the protest with Unidos, an immigrant-led organization that advocates for working families.
The group has been demanding that Target speaks out against ICE's violent treatment of employees and calls for Congress to stop funding the agency. Despite this, the corporation remains silent on the matter.
Target has faced public backlash before over its policies and practices, including a 2016 boycott launched by conservatives after it announced support for transgender customers. The company also faced criticism for selling Pride merchandise at fewer stores last year.
Activists point to these past examples as evidence that nonviolent activism can pressure companies into taking action. They say that the situation with ICE is particularly urgent and that businesses have a moral obligation to stand up against such actions.
As the boycott movement gains momentum, activists plan to hold sit-ins, demonstrations, and other events outside Target stores across Minnesota until the company takes a clear stance on ICE.
I'm with the activists 100% - how can Target not speak out against ICE's violence?! 
They're basically saying "oh, we care about our employees" but it's not translating to actual action... it's just a bunch of empty words. 
And yeah, I remember that time they faced backlash for selling Pride merch at some stores last year... now they need to take a stand against ICE too! 
The fact that two employees were detained and forced into handcuffs is just disgusting... Target needs to use their power for good, not just when it's convenient. 
I feel so hopeful about this! Activists are showing up for their employees and demanding that Target speaks out against ICE's violent treatment of workers. It's amazing to see people taking action and using their voices to make a difference 
. The boycott movement is really gaining momentum, and I think it's going to be huge for companies like Target to take notice 
. I mean, if they can't even stand up against ICE, how can we trust them with our personal info? It's all about being held accountable for their actions 
. And I love that the activists are using these past experiences as an example of how nonviolent activism can pressure companies into change – it's like, we've seen this before, and it works! 
Let's keep pushing Target to take a clear stance on ICE and make some real change in our communities 
Target needs to step up their game already! They can't just sit back and let these agents go around like that. I mean, two employees detained by masked agents? That's unacceptable! 
The fact that they're still silent on the matter is a major red flag for me. I'm all for protesting and making our voices heard, but Target needs to take responsibility here too. 
If they don't want to get involved with ICE, then they shouldn't be selling their stuff at stores where those agents are patrolling. Simple as that! 
It's time for them to stand up and say something, or else I'll be taking my business elsewhere #BoycottTarget #StandWithImmigrants #EnoughIsEnough
. I think it's interesting that people are holding the company accountable for its actions 
. They're saying that corporations have a responsibility to stand up against injustice, especially when it affects their employees 
. It's not just about Target, but also about setting a precedent for other companies to follow 
. The boycott movement is working and it's amazing to see people power in action 
. but targeting (haha get it?) a whole corporation like that seems kinda extreme, you know? i think they have a right to do business with whoever they want and not just take heat from activists all the time 
. also, i'm not sure if boycotting them will really change anything - has that ever worked before? 
! As someone who's been around since 2007 (yeah, I'm that old 
), I've seen platforms evolve and change, but one thing remains constant - our collective power to create change 
. The boycott movement is gaining momentum, and it's awesome to see people from all walks of life coming together for a common cause 
. I'm not surprised that some folks are calling out Target for remaining silent on the issue - we know they have the power to make a difference 
!
I think Target needs to get on board with this ASAP, you know? They can't just sit there and watch their employees get detained by masked agents who are basically taking away their rights. It's like, come on, you're selling stuff that people need and want, but when it comes to something as basic as human rights, you're MIA. The fact that they've been quiet so far is just fueling the fire for these protests. I mean, we all know how power works, right? You gotta use your voice and make some noise if you wanna bring about change. And from what I'm seeing online, this movement isn't going away anytime soon... 
. On one hand, it's disgusting that Target is staying silent about ICE's violent treatment of employees 
. As a consumer, I want to support companies that stand up for what's right. Two employees being detained by masked agents? That's unacceptable 
. On the other hand, I understand why some people are hesitant to take action against corporations - they can be powerful and have a lot of influence 
. Remember how Target faced backlash for selling Pride merchandise? It changed their policies 
. And what about when conservatives boycotted them after announcing support for trans customers? That was a tough time for the company too 
. I'm not saying it'll be easy this time, but I think activists have a point that businesses do have a moral obligation to speak out against injustice 
.
. Target's been in trouble before, like that time they sold Pride merch at few stores last year... what's up with that? They're always trying to stay neutral, but I think it's just an excuse to avoid taking a stand. And now, this ICE business? The group says nonviolent activism can make a difference, but I'm not buying it 
so now this is just gonna be a slippery slope where they get roasted for supporting ice agents 
it's not like they're going 2 take a stance & then have ppl boycott them, that's just how business works 
They're already stressed out working at a big box store, and then they get caught up in this whole ICE situation... it's just not right.