Protesters Press Target to Oppose Immigration Crackdown in Minnesota

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

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 5-week-old immigration crackdown in its home state of Minnesota. The coalition of community groups, religious leaders, labor unions and other critics of the federal operation are calling for sit-ins and other demonstrations to continue at Target locations for a full week.

Why it matters

Target's headquarters are located in Minneapolis, where federal officers last month killed two residents who had participated in anti-ICE protests. The protests highlight growing tensions between the retail giant and activists over its perceived lack of action against the immigration crackdown in its home state.

The details

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. Some lawyers argue that federal agents can enter public areas of a business without warrants, but the protesters want Target to take a stronger stance. The protests come a year after Target faced backlash over rolling back its diversity and inclusion initiatives.

  • The protests are planned for Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The immigration crackdown in Minnesota that the protesters are opposing began 5 weeks ago.

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' Dinkytown commercial district.

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 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

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.