Full Breakdown
AFT Calls Nationwide Boycott of Target Over ICE Silence
8/24/2026, 12:57:54 AM
Background and Union Actions
The boycott follows letters sent to Target CEO Michael Fiddelke in February and March urging the retailer to speak out against what the union described as “federal immigration abuses.” The AFT also highlighted that its members’ pension funds own roughly 6.79 million shares of Target stock, a point raised by critics as a potential fiduciary conflict. The union’s March resolution formally labeled the effort a boycott and called for members to redirect their purchases.
Official Statements & Responses
The spokesperson cited a “1,300% increase in assaults” against ICE officers and an “8,000% increase in death threats,” asserting that ICE does not target schools and that its actions are aimed at protecting children. Fox News Digital reported that the network reached out to both the AFT and Target for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Criticism & Opposition
Corey DeAngelis, a Heritage Foundation research fellow, argued that leveraging pension-fund holdings to pressure Target raises fiduciary concerns and should trigger a Department of Justice investigation. He described the boycott as “a breach of fiduciary duty” and suggested the union’s political agenda is influencing corporate behavior.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We gave Target ample time to stand with the communities in which they operate and help their neighbors, but its silence about federal immigration abuses has been deafening,” — Randi Weingarten, president
