Target employees in Minnesota are missing shifts due to ICE enforcement actions

Target Faces Renewed Controversy Amid Immigration Raids in Minneapolis

Photo Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Target Corporation, which recently welcomed a new CEO, finds itself once again at the center of political upheaval in Minneapolis. Recent immigration enforcement actions in the city have disrupted the retailer’s operations, forcing the company to navigate a challenging and highly charged environment.

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Earlier this month, two Target employees—both US citizens—were temporarily detained by immigration authorities at a store in Richfield, Minnesota. This incident has led to a wave of staff absences across several Twin Cities locations, with some teams postponing planned office gatherings at company headquarters. Community faith leaders have called on Target to prohibit federal agents from entering its stores and parking lots, and to publicly denounce the enforcement actions. Outgoing CEO Brian Cornell is scheduled to meet with these leaders soon.

This crisis comes at a particularly sensitive time for Target, as the company tries to avoid alienating customers and employees on divisive issues like immigration and policing. Target is still dealing with the fallout from scaling back diversity programs, which drew criticism from some shoppers. The company also recently faced protests over Pride Month merchandise, followed by backlash when it removed certain items. Incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke, who takes over February 1, has pledged to focus on boosting sales and improving the retailer’s stock performance.

So far, Target has not released any public statements regarding the detainment of its employees or the increased presence of immigration agents in the area. The company has also remained silent about the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good, a US citizen, by an ICE agent. A spokesperson declined to comment on these matters.

“We recognize that our team is experiencing a range of emotions in response to the situation in the Twin Cities,” wrote Chief Human Resources Officer Melissa Kremer in a recent staff email. She emphasized that employee and customer safety remains the top priority, and that leadership is committed to providing support and resources.

In a separate message, Kremer assured employees that executives are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to offer flexibility and assistance as needed.

Employee Reactions and Internal Tensions

According to sources familiar with the matter, workers have turned to internal communication channels to express frustration over the company’s silence. Some employees have circulated a letter to Target’s ethics team, seeking guidance on how to respond to law enforcement actions and voicing concerns that the lack of a clear corporate response is causing confusion.

Others believe that remaining neutral is the best approach, warning that taking a public stance could make Target more vulnerable to further immigration enforcement activity.

Legal experts note that many corporations are reluctant to comment on the surge in ICE activity, as they strive to balance their public image with the need to protect their premises, staff, and customers. David Leopold, an immigration attorney, points out that enforcing bans on ICE agents is difficult, since agents may be in plain clothes and public areas cannot be restricted.

At least two Target stores in the Twin Cities have reported employees expressing fear about coming to work. Other major businesses in the area have also been affected by the unrest, with restaurants and hotels seeing a decline in customers and staff. Adam Duininck, CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, warns that reduced foot traffic could have a significant negative impact on the local economy, which has only recently begun to recover from the pandemic and the unrest following George Floyd’s death in 2020.

“This is a complex situation,” Duininck said, noting that companies are trying to comply with the law while being mindful of how employees and stakeholders are affected. He expects more business leaders to speak out if the situation persists.

Community Response and Company Guidance

Some customers have also voiced their discontent. Over the weekend, a few shoppers purchased bags of salt—typically used for melting ice—only to immediately return them, apparently to disrupt store operations. Protesters staged a demonstration at a West St. Paul Target on January 19, and local faith leaders organized a seven-hour sit-in at the company’s headquarters last week.

Target has informed employees that it does not have formal agreements with ICE. Federal agents are legally permitted to be in parking lots and public areas of stores without a warrant, but cannot access private areas or corporate offices without one. Company headquarters remains open, and travel policies have not changed.

Individual teams are currently managing communications and guidelines, with some groups choosing to delay in-person work as tensions rise. Store employees have been instructed not to interfere with agents and to focus on de-escalating situations, according to internal documents.

ICE did not respond to requests for comment. However, White House officials have defended the increased deployment of agents—and the possible involvement of military personnel—as necessary to address illegal immigration. The administration has also stated that the large federal presence is investigating fraud allegations involving members of the local Somali-American community.

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