Protesters Press Target to Oppose Immigration Crackdown

Activists call for sit-ins and demonstrations at over 25 Target stores nationwide

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Activists are planning protests at more than two dozen Target stores around the United States on Wednesday to pressure the discount retailer into taking a public stand against the recent immigration crackdown in its home state of Minnesota. The protesters, organized by the ICE Out Minnesota coalition, are demanding that Target deny federal agents entry to stores unless they have judicial warrants authorizing arrests.

Why it matters

Target's headquarters are located in Minneapolis, where federal officers recently killed two residents who had participated in anti-ICE protests. The protests aim to pressure Target, a major corporate presence in the community, to take a stronger stance against the federal immigration enforcement actions.

The details

The protesters are calling for sit-ins and other demonstrations to continue at Target locations for a full week. One of the key demands is for Target to deny federal agents entry to stores unless they have judicial warrants authorizing arrests. However, legal experts argue that federal agents can generally enter public areas of a business without a warrant.

  • Protests are planned for Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The protests are expected to continue for a full week.

The players

ICE Out Minnesota

A coalition of community groups, religious leaders, labor unions, and other critics of the federal immigration enforcement operation.

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.

Neil Saunders

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

Michael Fiddelke

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

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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 of the Minnesota chapter of Socialist Alternative

“It can't just say ICE is not allowed in stores because legally they are.”

— Neil Saunders, Managing Director of the retail division of GlobalData

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.