PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Anti-ICE protesters in Philadelphia are targeting a major retailer after immigration enforcement agents were seen detaining people in its stores in Minnesota.
Demonstrators protested outside seven Philly-area Target stores Tuesday night. Earlier this month, federal agents detained two Target employees in Minnesota. Demonstrators want the Minneapolis-based chain to ban ICE from its stores and parking lots.
Until they do, Philly co-organizer Julie K. is encouraging shoppers to look elsewhere.
“Shop locally, support locally. There are other places people can shop besides Target,” she said.
At the Rittenhouse Target at 19th and Chestnut streets, several dozen protesters marched outside the doors and tried to slow down operations by buying and immediately returning small items.
A company spokesperson said Target doesn’t have any explicit agreements with ICE or other immigration enforcement agencies.
Target’s incoming CEO, Michael Fiddelke, signed onto a letter from 60 Minnesota CEOs calling for “an immediate de-escalation of tensions.” And in a video sent to employees, he reportedly said, “The violence and loss of life in our community is incredibly painful.” However, neither specifically mentions the Trump administration or ICE.
“It’s cowardly,” said Julie. “Do the right thing, man. I mean, how can he watch what’s happening and not speak up about it?”
Co-organizer Taylor agreed that the message rings hollow.
“You have way more power than just simple lip service. That’s all we’re asking,” she said.
According to experts, law enforcement has the right to question and even detain people in parking lots and similar public spaces, but they need a warrant to enter private areas, like a back office.