A coalition of over 60 chief executives from significant Minnesota companies, including well-known firms such as Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth Group, issued a public letter through the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce on Sunday. This appeal emphasizes the urgency of de-escalating tensions and calls for cooperation across government levels in the wake of two fatal shootings by federal agents tied to a large-scale immigration enforcement initiative currently generating unrest and protests statewide and nationally.
The letter specifically urges state, local, and federal authorities to work collectively to develop effective solutions addressing the challenges presented by the enforcement operation. It acknowledges the tragic nature of the recent incidents and underscores the need to restore calm.
The signatories of the letter represent a broad swath of Minnesota’s corporate leadership, with CEOs such as William Brown (3M), Corie Barry (Best Buy), Jeff Harmening (General Mills), Michael Fiddelke (incoming Target CEO), and Stephen Helmsley (UnitedHealth Group) endorsing the appeal.
Prior to this public statement, most major Minnesota-based businesses had refrained from publicly addressing the immigration enforcement surge and the accompanying tensions. However, growing societal pressure and protests targeting companies perceived as insufficiently vocal or supportive regarding federal law enforcement actions have made silence increasingly untenable. For instance, Minneapolis-based Target faced direct protest actions, while a Minnesota hotel reversed its initial refusal to host federal immigration agents after an online backlash, citing policy violations.
In parallel with corporate concerns, the state government and Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area have filed legal action aiming to halt the immigration operations. This lawsuit highlights severe economic repercussions tied to the enforcement campaign, noting that some enterprises report sales declines reaching as high as 80%.
The CEOs’ letter concludes with a call for peace and effective collaboration among all government tiers to establish a rapid and enduring resolution. The intent is to allow families, businesses, employees, and communities throughout Minnesota to regain stability and continue advancing toward a prosperous future.