AFT Pressures Target on ICE Stance Amid Diversity Recommitment

Retailer Faces Pressure Over ICE Stance Amid Diversity Commitment

WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten has intensified her call for Target to take a stand against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota. In a recent letter to Target CEO Michael Fiddelke, Weingarten urged the retailer to publicly denounce ICE's ongoing activities in the Twin Cities. Failure to do so might prompt the union to advise its 1.8 million members to consider alternative retailers for school supplies.

Following persistent advocacy from the Target Fast movement, Target announced a renewed commitment to diversity, promising to support Black entrepreneurs, historically Black colleges, and internal equity programs. At a press conference, former Ohio state Senator Nina Turner highlighted the continued impact of ICE raids in Minneapolis, noting that the struggle with Target is ongoing.

“Target has taken a step in the right direction by recommitting to promises made on investing in Black-owned businesses and communities,” stated Weingarten. “That matters. That is progress, and we acknowledge it. But there is more to be done.” She emphasized that, should there be no progress on addressing ICE issues, the AFT would educate its members about Target's stance and suggest "alternative retailers" more aligned with community needs.

In January, Weingarten reached out to initiate discussions on ICE-related concerns, but no significant action followed. The AFT's vast membership, which purchases significant amounts of school supplies from Target, also holds nearly 7 million shares in the company through pension funds, with substantial additional indirect investments.

Despite the diversity commitment, Target continues to face challenges, reporting another quarter of declining revenue and customer visits in its latest financial results. Boycotts are reportedly responsible for a loss exceeding $12 billion in market value.

The AFT plans to raise these issues at the AFL-CIO convention in Minnesota this June, where delegates representing 15 million workers will evaluate Target's civil rights record. With board elections imminent at Target's annual general meeting, Weingarten noted the union's involvement in preserving shareholder value, echoing concerns from other major investors.

The AFT's letter underscores the belief that Target's current stance is harming its reputation and the communities it serves. “I hope we can find a better path forward, for our educators and communities, and ultimately for the long-term value of Target and its shareholders,” concluded Weingarten.

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.

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