Protesters Rally at Target’s Minneapolis HQ During New CEO’s First Day
Protesters gathered at Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis on Monday, coinciding with Michael Fiddelke’s first day as the company’s new CEO. This demonstration followed a significant protest just 36 hours earlier, where activists occupied 23 Target stores throughout the Twin Cities.
Demands from Protesters
The ICE Out Now Minnesota Coalition led the rally, presenting several demands aimed at Fiddelke and Target. Their requests included:
- Expelling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Minnesota.
- Exercising Target’s Fourth Amendment rights by posting notices to restrict ICE access without warrants.
- Training employees on how to handle ICE encounters.
- Publicly urging President Trump to “shut down” ICE.
- Lobbying Congress to cease further funding for ICE and investigate constitutional violations.
- Holding federal agents accountable for harming civilians.
Voices of Advocacy
Veronica Mendez Moore, a member of the coalition, emphasized Target’s pivotal moment. “They can choose to ignore the voices from across the country, or they can support our families and communities,” she stated.
Pastor Doug Mork from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church also addressed the need for corporate courage. He remarked on the increasing influence of companies like Target in communities and implored them to take a stance for justice.
Response from New CEO
Michael Fiddelke recently joined 60 other CEOs in Minnesota in an open letter advocating for de-escalation of tensions related to immigration issues. However, Heather Hecker, a member of Unidos MN, criticized this initiative as insufficient. She highlighted the essential role immigrants play in Target’s operations, from store workers to food supply chains, and called for more vocal support against aggressive ICE actions.
Clarification on ICE Engagement
While protests claimed that Target allowed ICE operations in their parking lots, a source indicated that the company does not have agreements with ICE or any immigration enforcement agency.
CEO’s First Day Activities
On his first day, Fiddelke visited a Target store in suburban Dallas. His planned interview with CBS News Texas was ultimately canceled. As the situation develops, Target’s official statements remain awaited.
