Protests Erupt at Target Stores Nationwide Amid Immigration Backlash

Fri Feb 13 2026 02:25:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Activists in over two dozen cities across the U.S. protest against Target's response to immigration crackdowns, demanding corporate accountability and support for immigrant rights.

A coalition of activists, including community groups and religious leaders, organized protests at more than two dozen Target stores across the U.S. to urge the retailer to publicly oppose recent immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. Target has faced criticism for its silence following fatal incidents involving federal agents. Protesters demand the company refuse entry to federal agents without warrants and express ongoing frustrations over immigration policies and corporate responsibility.

A series of demonstrations took place on Wednesday at over two dozen Target stores across the United States, primarily organized by ICE Out Minnesota, a coalition that includes community organizations, religious leaders, and labor unions, all advocating for immigrant rights.

Protesters gathered to demand that Target take a more vocal stand against the ongoing immigration crackdown in Minnesota, where federal agents have been involved in violence against local residents. This protest follows tragic incidents where federal officers fatally shot two anti-ICE protesters in the city of Minneapolis.

Elan Axelbank, a member of Socialist Alternative, voiced concerns: They claim to be part of the community, but they are not standing up to ICE. As protests unfolded in several cities—including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Chicago, Philadelphia, and more—organizers expressed their intent to sustain their activism for up to a week.

Target declined to comment on the protests but has faced growing scrutiny for its perceived inaction regarding the federal immigration authorities. According to activists, one of their central demands is for Target to prevent federal agents from entering stores without proper judicial warrants.

Target's reputation has been further complicated by its handling of previous controversies, including a backlash over the company’s decision to roll back its diversity and inclusion initiatives. While protests targeted a small number of locations out of nearly 2,000 across the country, analysts believe the situation diverts attention from Target's business challenges.

The protests came in response to the company's actions following incidents involving claims of unjust immigrant detentions within its stores. Critics underscore that Target's leadership must grapple with its responsibility towards community welfare, especially in light of heightened tensions surrounding immigration.

As these protests gain momentum, other groups, such as a coalition of Mennonite congregations, plan similar actions aimed at promoting awareness and advocacy for immigrant rights. These events not only highlight the struggles faced by vulnerable populations but also urge corporations like Target to become active participants in the discourse surrounding civil rights and social justice.