Target’s new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, is under increasing scrutiny to address the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, the retailer’s home city. A public letter from Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), criticized the company for its silence regarding ICE’s operations in the region, urging Target to openly advocate for the removal of federal immigration agents.
Weingarten expressed deep concern about Target’s lack of response following the deaths of two Minneapolis residents, allegedly at the hands of ICE and Border Patrol agents. Given that Target employs 34,000 individuals in Minnesota, many of whom hold key positions at its headquarters, she emphasized the company’s strong ties to the community and the significant benefits it derives from this relationship.
The AFT, whose members include teachers, nurses, and public workers, collectively manages approximately $4 trillion in pension funds, which encompass 6.8 million shares of Target stock. Weingarten highlighted the importance of consumers as a significant market for Target, further pressing the need for the company to take a definitive stance.
Fiddelke, who began his career at Target as an intern and assumed the role of CEO last summer, is navigating a critical moment in his leadership. In a recent statement, he outlined the retailer’s business objectives but refrained from addressing the ongoing ICE activities in Minneapolis. Weingarten warned that his reluctance to respond could have negative implications for the company’s reputation.
In January, Fiddelke was among over 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies who signed a letter calling for the “immediate de-escalation of tensions” in light of recent violent incidents. However, the letter notably excluded any mention of ICE or its controversial practices, following the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti by border patrol agents. Another local resident, Renee Good, was also killed by U.S. immigration agents on January 7.
While Weingarten deemed the CEOs’ letter a “productive first step,” she criticized it for lacking substantial leadership in addressing ICE’s presence in Minnesota. Target has not yet provided a comment on the matter.
Alison Taylor, a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, indicated that the business community will likely face ongoing pressure regarding the situation in Minneapolis. “Those who are upset want to see a clear condemnation, acknowledgment of the victims, and a definitive call for action to end these operations,” Taylor noted, pointing out the absence of such statements.
Protests have erupted in response to ICE’s actions, particularly in Target parking lots, which have become hotspots for anti-ICE demonstrations. Recently, ICE detained two employees at a Target store in Minneapolis, escalating tensions further.
On Monday, protesters gathered in front of Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis, just a day and a half after demonstrations took place at 23 of the retailer’s locations in the area.
