Protests Planned at Target North and South in Rochester This Friday

Union, community, and faith leaders are calling on Minnesotans to participate in a statewide protest against ICE's presence in the state.

Friday, January 23, has been designated as the "Day of Truth and Freedom." Organizers are asking supporters to stay home from work or school and avoid shopping. A series of protests are also being planned, including demonstrations at both Target locations in Rochester.

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ALSO READ: SEVERAL MINNESOTA BUSINESSES TO CLOSE ON FRIDAY

MN50501-Rochester, a Facebook page that describes itself as a "grassroots movement dedicated to defending democracy, fighting against authoritarianism, and organizing for progressive change," and other community groups, shared details regarding the protests scheduled for Friday afternoon in Rochester.

Supporters are invited to gather outside Target North and Target South in Rochester at 2:00 p.m. "Bundle up, bring your best signs, and join your community to demand ICE OUT OF MN," the organizers posted.

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 Why Protesters are Heading to Rochester Target Stores on Friday, January 23rd

According to organizers, Target was selected as a protest site due to an incident on January 8 at the Richfield, Minnesota, location.

The protest invite says on that date, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) "assaulted and kidnapped" two U.S. citizens while they were working their shifts at the Richfield store. Organizers claim that Target has remained silent since the incident and has allegedly continued to allow ICE and CBP to stage on store property and film social media content.

The goal of the statewide protests is to remove ICE from Minnesota and to hold the officer involved in the Renee Good shooting accountable.