Activists in Minneapolis Urge Target to Speak Out Against Immigration Enforcement
As thousands of protesters marched through downtown Minneapolis to demand that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents leave the city, a smaller group of activists targeted the corporate headquarters of national retailer Target. The activists, including clergy members and supporters, gathered in the store's atrium to chant slogans such as "Immigrants are welcome here" and "Why does Target work for ICE?"
The protest is part of a renewed movement to boycott Target over its alleged complicity with immigration enforcement on its grounds and in its hometown. According to Grant Stevensen, a Lutheran pastor who organized the protest with Unidos, an immigrant-led organization that advocates for working families, Target has failed to take concrete actions against ICE's treatment of employees.
The recent incident at Target's Richfield, Minnesota store, where two workers were forcefully detained by masked ICE agents, has galvanized the movement. In a disturbing video captured by bystanders, the agents can be seen piling on top of the workers, pinning them to the ground and even using physical force.
Despite the call for a boycott, Target's silence on the matter has been perceived as cooperation with the masked agents. Local advocates like Unidos are demanding that the corporation speak out against immigration enforcement taking place on its grounds, but so far, they have not issued a statement.
The issue is not new to Target, which has faced public backlash in the past for its policies and practices. In 2016, a conservative group launched a boycott against Target after the company announced a policy allowing transgender customers and employees to use restrooms and fitting rooms corresponding to their gender identity. More recently, the company faced counter-backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates over its Pride Month merchandise.
As protests and boycotts continue to gain momentum, activists are drawing inspiration from earlier movements that have led to change. Rev. Jamal Bryant's "Target fast" in 2023, which called for a 40-day boycott, is cited as an example of the power of nonviolent activism. According to Ulla Nilsen, a lead organizer with Unidos, when people stand together and demand change, they can achieve their goals.
The activists' message to Target is clear: speak out against immigration enforcement taking place on its grounds, train its employees on how to handle ICE agents, and publicly demand that ICE leave Minnesota. The fate of the boycott movement remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Target's silence will only fuel the flames of activism until it takes a stand.
As thousands of protesters marched through downtown Minneapolis to demand that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents leave the city, a smaller group of activists targeted the corporate headquarters of national retailer Target. The activists, including clergy members and supporters, gathered in the store's atrium to chant slogans such as "Immigrants are welcome here" and "Why does Target work for ICE?"
The protest is part of a renewed movement to boycott Target over its alleged complicity with immigration enforcement on its grounds and in its hometown. According to Grant Stevensen, a Lutheran pastor who organized the protest with Unidos, an immigrant-led organization that advocates for working families, Target has failed to take concrete actions against ICE's treatment of employees.
The recent incident at Target's Richfield, Minnesota store, where two workers were forcefully detained by masked ICE agents, has galvanized the movement. In a disturbing video captured by bystanders, the agents can be seen piling on top of the workers, pinning them to the ground and even using physical force.
Despite the call for a boycott, Target's silence on the matter has been perceived as cooperation with the masked agents. Local advocates like Unidos are demanding that the corporation speak out against immigration enforcement taking place on its grounds, but so far, they have not issued a statement.
The issue is not new to Target, which has faced public backlash in the past for its policies and practices. In 2016, a conservative group launched a boycott against Target after the company announced a policy allowing transgender customers and employees to use restrooms and fitting rooms corresponding to their gender identity. More recently, the company faced counter-backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates over its Pride Month merchandise.
As protests and boycotts continue to gain momentum, activists are drawing inspiration from earlier movements that have led to change. Rev. Jamal Bryant's "Target fast" in 2023, which called for a 40-day boycott, is cited as an example of the power of nonviolent activism. According to Ulla Nilsen, a lead organizer with Unidos, when people stand together and demand change, they can achieve their goals.
The activists' message to Target is clear: speak out against immigration enforcement taking place on its grounds, train its employees on how to handle ICE agents, and publicly demand that ICE leave Minnesota. The fate of the boycott movement remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Target's silence will only fuel the flames of activism until it takes a stand.
I drew a simple diagram of a protest march:
The protesters are not asking for much, just for Target to speak out against ICE and support its employees who are being targeted. It's about creating a culture of respect and inclusivity in the workplace. 
. Protests and boycotts are already gaining traction, let's see if they can keep up 
just saw those protests in Minneapolis and I'm literally shakin' my head 
Target's been known for its corporate politics and now they're facing the heat 
. Did you know that since 2016, there have been over 2 million+ ICE encounters at retail stores nationwide? 
That's a lot of people affected. According to a recent survey, 60% of Americans support companies taking a stand against immigration enforcement 
. It's time for Target to speak out and take action! 
Here's a breakdown of the stats:
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. The fact that Rev. Jamal Bryant's "Target fast" campaign was able to inspire change in the past only highlights the power of collective action and grassroots organizing 
. Now, it seems like the activists are taking matters into their own hands by targeting the company's headquarters, which is a testament to the determination of those affected by ICE's actions 
.
i'm so inspired by these activists! speaking out against injustice and advocating for human rights is literally the most selfless thing ever 
and let's be real, the fact that they haven't spoken out yet is just giving these activists even more momentum to keep pushing for change 
we need more people to stand up for what's right in this world! 
. I mean, can't we just assume that companies like Target are gonna do what's right? Like, they're not just gonna sit there and let ICE agents rough up their employees, right? 
It sounds to me like Target's being super cautious and trying to avoid all the drama, but at the same time, that's just gonna fuel the fire 
But let's be real, if Target really wants to help their employees, they need to step up and make some statements. Like, have a clear stance on what's happening with ICE on their grounds? Train their staff on how to handle those situations? That's the kind of change that can actually make a difference 
. I mean, what's next? Are they going to start selling out to the highest bidder or something?! 
The fact that they haven't even issued a statement on this is just infuriating 
. We need more people like Rev. Jamal Bryant who are willing to stand up and demand change