Target’s new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, is facing growing pressure from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to take a public stand against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minneapolis, where the retailer is headquartered. The call comes after two fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents sparked widespread protests in the city.
In a public letter sent Sunday, AFT President Randi Weingarten criticized Target for what she described as its “silence” on ICE activities and urged Fiddelke to “clearly state” that the company wants federal immigration agents to leave Minneapolis. “The AFT is deeply concerned about the company’s silence on ICE’s continuing operations following the deaths of two Minneapolis residents,” she wrote, emphasizing Target’s deep roots in the Twin Cities and its responsibility to the local community.
The union noted that AFT members, including teachers, nurses, and public employees, collectively manage roughly $4 trillion in pension funds, which include 6.8 million shares of Target stock. Consumers were also highlighted as an influential stakeholder group.
Fiddelke, who started at Target as an intern and assumed the CEO role last summer, outlined his business priorities in a statement Monday but did not specifically address ICE’s actions. AFT warned that the CEO’s response to this crisis could define his tenure.
In January, Fiddelke joined over 60 Minnesota-based CEOs in signing a joint letter calling for a de-escalation of tensions. However, the letter did not directly mention ICE or its tactics, following the deaths of Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti and Renee Good in January. Weingarten acknowledged the letter as a “productive first step” but said it fell short of demonstrating leadership to end ICE’s presence in the city.
Experts say corporate pressure on ICE-related matters is likely to continue. Alison Taylor, a professor of Business and Society at NYU Stern School of Business, told CBS News that the business community will remain under scrutiny, noting that stakeholders expected stronger public condemnation of ICE actions.
ICE agents have reportedly conducted operations in Target parking lots, prompting demonstrations by anti-ICE activists. Last month, ICE detained two Target employees at a Minneapolis store, intensifying protests. On Monday, demonstrators gathered outside Target’s Minneapolis headquarters, 36 hours after protests occurred at 23 area stores.
Representatives for Target did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
