Teachers Union Calls for Target Boycott Over Immigration Enforcement Stance

The American Federation of Teachers announced a back-to-school boycott of Target this weekend, asserting that the retail chain has failed to publicly oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota, where the company maintains its headquarters. AFT President Randi Weingarten released a statement criticizing Target’s response to requests for the company to take a stand alongside communities affected by federal immigration enforcement.

Weingarten pointed to ICE operations ongoing seven months after the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renée Good, describing federal agents as present “in our streets, our schools and our communities” and characterizing their activities as part of what she called President Donald Trump’s “illegal and immoral assault on immigrants.” The union leader urged members to seek alternative retailers for back-to-school shopping and directed families to an AFT website listing local competitors.

The AFT launched the formal campaign Wednesday following unsuccessful outreach to Target CEO Michael Fiddelke in February and March. Weingarten promoted the boycott through social media, leveraging the union’s digital platforms to reach educators and families nationwide supporting the action.

Corey DeAngelis, a Heritage Foundation research fellow, told Fox News Digital the boycott raises fiduciary concerns, noting the AFT’s pension funds hold 6.79 million Target shares. DeAngelis contended the union’s use of pension influence to pressure corporate policy decisions warrants federal investigation by the Department of Justice for potential breach of fiduciary duty.

The AFT’s March resolution explicitly designated the campaign as a boycott and called on its 1.8 million members, families and supporters to withhold patronage until Target publicly aligned with Twin Cities communities. This represents the latest instance of the union targeting the retailer over corporate political positions.

Sonja Shaw, a California superintendent candidate and school board president, characterized union leadership as prioritizing political power over student achievement, citing California’s assessment results showing 48.8 percent of students met English language arts standards and 37.3 percent achieved math proficiency.

In July, Missouri Republican Senator Eric Schmitt requested the Department of Labor investigate whether AFT leaders coordinated with retirement-plan fiduciaries to deploy members’ assets for political purposes. House lawmakers separately demanded information regarding allegations that member dues financed Weingarten’s book “Why Fascists Fear Teachers” while she received royalties.

Neither Target, the AFT, the Department of Homeland Security nor ICE immediately responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. Teachers nationwide spend an average of $895 annually from personal funds on classroom supplies, according to a 2025 survey.