Activists Demand Target Take a Stand Against Immigration Enforcement
In Minneapolis, a city still reeling from the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent just days after her death, activists are calling on national retailer Target to take a stand against immigration enforcement on its grounds and in its hometown. The group, which includes clergy members and immigrant rights supporters, is demanding that Target speak out against ICE's actions.
The activists' focus on Target comes as part of a broader movement to boycott the company due to its perceived complicity with ICE. The retailer has faced public backlash for years over its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, including a rollback of programs aimed at promoting inclusivity in 2025. This move was followed by a decline in sales and foot traffic.
"We need Target to stand up where it really matters right now," said Grant Stevensen, a Lutheran pastor who organized the protest with Unidos, an immigrant-led organization that advocates for working families. "You can't walk into a Target store here without seeing how they position themselves as being for the health and wellbeing of the community."
The activists' demands are not new, but rather a continuation of a movement that began after Good's killing. In the days following her death, more than half a dozen masked ICE agents forcefully detained two workers at Target's Richfield store. The agents were accused of using excessive force against the workers, including pinning one to the ground and jamming his knee into another worker's head.
Target has not issued a statement about the incident or its actions in response to the allegations. However, some local leaders are calling on the company to speak out against ICE's treatment of its employees.
"I keep hearing more from my constituents about their frustration for how Target, in particular, has chosen silence," said Michael Howard, a Democrat and state representative who met with Target representatives, including outgoing CEO Brian Cornell, over the past year. "Target has been light on actual action steps, especially on anything that would be public-facing, and it's a fallacy to say Target doesn't have actions it can take to safeguard employees and customers against ICE."
The activists are also calling on Target to post signs stating that ICE agents cannot enter without a warrant and to train its employees on how to handle ICE agents who enter stores illegally. They are urging the company to publicly demand that Congress stop funding ICE and to call for the organization to leave Minnesota.
This is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader history of boycotts against Target due to its policies and actions. The retailer has faced backlash from both conservative and liberal groups over its stance on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and diversity.
"We know that from a historical perspective, nonviolent activism and civic pressure always wins," said Ulla Nilsen, a lead organizer with Unidos. "We have an administration that's making everyone afraid. So we are calling on the CEO of Target and other businesses in Minnesota to stop being afraid because when we stand together, we will get through this."
In Minneapolis, a city still reeling from the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent just days after her death, activists are calling on national retailer Target to take a stand against immigration enforcement on its grounds and in its hometown. The group, which includes clergy members and immigrant rights supporters, is demanding that Target speak out against ICE's actions.
The activists' focus on Target comes as part of a broader movement to boycott the company due to its perceived complicity with ICE. The retailer has faced public backlash for years over its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, including a rollback of programs aimed at promoting inclusivity in 2025. This move was followed by a decline in sales and foot traffic.
"We need Target to stand up where it really matters right now," said Grant Stevensen, a Lutheran pastor who organized the protest with Unidos, an immigrant-led organization that advocates for working families. "You can't walk into a Target store here without seeing how they position themselves as being for the health and wellbeing of the community."
The activists' demands are not new, but rather a continuation of a movement that began after Good's killing. In the days following her death, more than half a dozen masked ICE agents forcefully detained two workers at Target's Richfield store. The agents were accused of using excessive force against the workers, including pinning one to the ground and jamming his knee into another worker's head.
Target has not issued a statement about the incident or its actions in response to the allegations. However, some local leaders are calling on the company to speak out against ICE's treatment of its employees.
"I keep hearing more from my constituents about their frustration for how Target, in particular, has chosen silence," said Michael Howard, a Democrat and state representative who met with Target representatives, including outgoing CEO Brian Cornell, over the past year. "Target has been light on actual action steps, especially on anything that would be public-facing, and it's a fallacy to say Target doesn't have actions it can take to safeguard employees and customers against ICE."
The activists are also calling on Target to post signs stating that ICE agents cannot enter without a warrant and to train its employees on how to handle ICE agents who enter stores illegally. They are urging the company to publicly demand that Congress stop funding ICE and to call for the organization to leave Minnesota.
This is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader history of boycotts against Target due to its policies and actions. The retailer has faced backlash from both conservative and liberal groups over its stance on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and diversity.
"We know that from a historical perspective, nonviolent activism and civic pressure always wins," said Ulla Nilsen, a lead organizer with Unidos. "We have an administration that's making everyone afraid. So we are calling on the CEO of Target and other businesses in Minnesota to stop being afraid because when we stand together, we will get through this."
. I mean, can't they just do their job without causing harm? It's not like the workers are doing anything wrong. And now, activists are demanding that Target speak out against ICE and take action to protect its employees... it feels like a no-brainer to me! 
If Target is going to benefit from being in this community, shouldn't they be standing up for the people who live here?
! Target needs to step up its game & show some love to those who work there! The fact that they can just waltz in without a warrant is just crazy 
... like what even is that? Targets gotta stand with the community, fam 
.
. If they don't, it'll be like watching an old VHS tape of corporate greed 
. People will remember how they treated their workers and boycott them in droves 
.
The fact that you've rolled back those inclusivity programs shows where your priorities are at. It's time to stand up for your workers and customers who are being targeted by ICE. Don't just talk about it, do something about it! 
its not fair to them. and honestly, im kinda surprised that ppl are still shopping there despite all the controversy. maybe its time for target to actually do somethin instead of just playin both sides 
I feel for them, they've gotta take a stand against those ice agents or else people gonna keep boycotting their stores. but at the same time, i think it's cool that target is willing to listen to its customers and employees. it shows they care about the community. i hope grant stevensen and others can get some action out of this protest 
these people are literally risking their lives for a living wage 
meanwhile, the company is raking in profits 
I'm so done with Target! Like seriously, what's the deal? They're just sitting there watching all these activists march and protest outside their stores. You'd think they'd be like "hey, we care about our employees" or something. But nope, they're just choosing to stay silent. It's like they're enabling ICE to do whatever they want on Target property. I mean, come on! 
We need businesses to take a stand against this kind of stuff. It's not that hard. 
. Like, I get it, they don't want to rock the boat, but that's exactly what they need to do right now. ICE agents detaining workers and pinning them to the ground? That's not something you just ignore or sweep under the rug 
. And now activists are calling for signs stating that ICE agents can't enter without a warrant and training for employees? It's about time someone spoke up 
. Target needs to take responsibility for its actions and speak out against ICE's treatment of its employees 
.