Protesters Press Target to Oppose Immigration Crackdown in Minnesota

Activists plan sit-ins and demonstrations at over 25 Target stores nationwide to demand the retailer take a public stance against federal immigration enforcement in its home state.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Activists from a coalition of community groups, religious leaders, labor unions, and other critics of the federal immigration crackdown are planning protests at more than two dozen Target stores around the United States on Wednesday. The protesters are pressing the discount retailer to take a public stand against the 5-week-old immigration enforcement surge in its home state of Minnesota, where federal agents recently killed two residents who had participated in anti-ICE protests.

Why it matters

Target's headquarters are located in Minneapolis, where the recent immigration enforcement actions have sparked outrage. The protesters are calling on Target to deny federal agents entry to its stores unless they have judicial warrants, and to publicly condemn the crackdown. The demonstrations highlight the growing tensions between businesses, local communities, and federal immigration authorities.

The details

The protests are being organized by the ICE Out Minnesota coalition, which includes community groups, religious leaders, labor unions, and other critics of the federal immigration enforcement. They are demanding that Target take a public stance against the crackdown and refuse to allow federal agents into its stores without warrants. Demonstrations are planned in cities across the country, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, San Diego, and Seattle.

  • The protests are scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The immigration crackdown in Minnesota 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 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.

Alex Pretti

A Minneapolis resident who was killed by a Border Patrol agent and a Customs and Border Protection officer on January 24, 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

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

— Michael Fiddelke, CEO of 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 at 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.