Protesters in Multiple States Press Target to Oppose Immigration Crackdown in Minnesota

Activists plan demonstrations at over two dozen Target stores to pressure the retailer to take a public stance against federal immigration enforcement actions.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Activists have planned protests at more than two dozen Target stores around the United States to pressure the discount retailer into taking a public stand against the 5-week-old immigration crackdown in its home state of Minnesota. The protests, organized by the coalition ICE Out Minnesota, call for sit-ins and other demonstrations to continue at Target locations for a full week. Target's headquarters are located in Minneapolis, where federal officers last month killed two residents who had participated in anti-ICE protests.

Why it matters

The protests highlight growing tensions between the local community, immigrant advocates, and large corporations like Target that are seen as not doing enough to oppose federal immigration enforcement actions. The demonstrations also come as Target faces ongoing challenges, including a persistent sales slump and criticism over its diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The details

The protests are being organized by ICE Out Minnesota, a coalition of community groups, religious leaders, labor unions and other critics of the federal immigration crackdown. One of the key demands is for Target to deny federal agents entry to stores unless they have judicial warrants authorizing arrests. Demonstrations are planned in multiple states, including Minnesota, Massachusetts, California, and others. Target has not publicly commented on the detention of its employees by federal agents or the protests.

  • The protests are planned to continue for a full week starting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Last month, federal officers killed two Minneapolis residents who had participated in anti-ICE protests.

The players

ICE Out Minnesota

A coalition of community groups, religious leaders, labor unions and other critics of the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota.

Elan Axelbank

A member of the Minnesota chapter of Socialist Alternative, a revolutionary political group, who organized a protest outside a Target store in Minneapolis.

Luis Argueta

A spokesperson for Unidos Minnesota, an immigrant-led social justice advocacy organization that is part of the ICE Out Minnesota coalition.

Michael Fiddelke

The CEO of Target who became the company's chief executive on February 2, 2026.

Neil Saunders

The managing director of the retail division of market research firm GlobalData.

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What they’re saying

“They claim to be part of the community, but they are not standing up to ICE.”

— Elan Axelbank, Member, Minnesota chapter of Socialist Alternative

“The violence and loss of life in our community is incredibly painful.”

— Michael Fiddelke, CEO, Target

“The agenda has been hijacked by this. And it is a bit of a distraction for Target that they'd rather not have.”

— Neil Saunders, Managing Director, Retail Division, GlobalData

“The singing was an expression of our love for immigrant neighbors who are at risk right now and who are also a part of our congregation. For us, it's not just standing in solidarity with others but it's also protecting people who are vulnerable.”

— Rev. Joanna Lawrence Shenk, Associate Pastor, First Mennonite Church of San Francisco

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.