- Target sent a memo to staff acknowledging the stress workers may be carrying and advising on safety.
- The retailer’s stores have been a flash point during ICE raids in Minnesota.
- “We’re listening and working to de-escalate where possible,” Kremer said.
Target once again finds itself in a precarious political balancing act.
The bullseye retailer’s stores have been a flash point during the recent immigration enforcement activity in its hometown of Minneapolis, and the company has remained publicly quiet on the issue.
But on Thursday, human resources chief Melissa Kremer sent a memo to staff acknowledging “the stress many of you may be carrying.” It came as armed federal agents detained thousands of people across the city, and residents protested the moves.
The company declined to comment on the memo.
Some of those encounters have occurred in Target stores and parking lots.
A spokesperson previously declined to comment when video clips that appeared to show an employee being detained and an in-store bathroom break for Commander Gregory Bovino went viral.
“Target does not have cooperative agreements with any immigration enforcement agency,” Kremer said in this week’s memo. “We’re listening and working to de-escalate where possible.”
The memo also mentioned new internal resources for workers about how to safely handle “disruption near our locations.”
While Target spoke out publicly following the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the company has more recently tried to avoid alienating either side of the political aisle on issues such as LGBTQ+ Pride and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In addition to its corporate headquarters, Target has about 20 stores in the greater Twin Cities metro area and is one of the largest employers in the state.
Read the full memo below:
Hi team, As the situation in our community continues to evolve, I want to share a few updates for our team and acknowledge the stress many of you may be carrying as disruption in our hometown affects daily life. We remain deeply focused on caring for our team and providing the support we can. The safety and well-being of our entire team and guests matters immensely. In fact, it guides every decision we make. Over the past week, we’ve added new FAQs to our resource to address the most common questions we’re hearing. Based on feedback, our security teams are also increasing communication with Minneapolis-based team members about expected disruption near our locations, along with guidance to help you stay safe. Field teams continue to receive updated procedures as conditions around stores and sites change. While we can’t control everything happening around us, we are focused on what we can control. Senior leaders are actively engaging with government officials, community partners, faith leaders and other stakeholders. As part of these conversations, and as we shared in our FAQs, we are clear about our priorities and practices, including that Target does not have cooperative agreements with any immigration enforcement agency. We’re listening and working to de-escalate where possible—while staying clear on what we need to safely operate our business and care for our team. Please continue to lean on your leaders, HR partners, Spring Health resources and one another for support. Thank you for the care you show each other and for being there for one another during this time. Sincerely, Melissa Melissa Kremer | Chief Human Resources Officer | Target
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