Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has drawn attention for requesting a nationwide boycott of Target. Her grievances stem from the company’s silence on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations near its Minnesota headquarters.
Weingarten accused Target of ignoring federal immigration abuses, stating, “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.” Her strong stance followed the murders of Alex Pretti and Renée Good, and the continued presence of ICE agents in communities affected by what she calls an “illegal and immoral assault on immigrants.”
Weingarten broadened her campaign by urging members to avoid shopping at Target, directing them to the AFT’s “Shop Smart, Not Target” website for alternative retailers. This initiative followed letters sent to Target CEO Michael Fiddelke in February and March.
Corey DeAngelis from the Heritage Foundation expressed concerns, suggesting that Weingarten’s use of AFT pension funds to sway Target might be a breach of fiduciary duty, as the pensions own significant shares in Target. He called for a Department of Justice investigation.
Sonja Shaw, a candidate for California superintendent of public instruction, criticized union leaders for focusing on political agendas instead of addressing academic challenges. She highlighted California’s assessments showing that less than half of students meet basic English and math standards.
Meanwhile, reports of AFT’s actions affecting Target’s share price were presented, further implicating the union’s influence on the retail giant’s financial performance. Concerns were also raised about member dues possibly funding Weingarten’s book, “Why Fascists Fear Teachers,” while she received royalties.
Amidst the debate, teachers reportedly spend significant amounts of their own money on school supplies—an average of $895 annually according to a 2025 survey.
Fox News has contacted the AFT, DHS, ICE, and Target for comments, but no responses have been received thus far.