Bronx leaders, advocates call for Target boycott over reported ICE use of Marble Hill parking lot
The demonstration comes days after an ICE agent shot and wounded a Bronx father during an enforcement operation involving a vehicle carrying a 5-year-old child, according to organizers.
More Stories
Local elected officials, faith leaders and immigrant advocates rallied outside the Target in Marble Hill on Tuesday, calling on the retailer to stop federal immigration agents from using the shopping center's parking lot as a staging area for operations.
The demonstration comes days after an ICE agent shot and wounded a Bronx father during an enforcement operation involving a vehicle carrying a 5-year-old child, according to organizers.
Advocates are urging New Yorkers to boycott Target until the company publicly condemns ICE's enforcement tactics and works to prevent agents from staging operations on properties connected to its stores.
The rally follows an Oct. 5 letter sent by Bronx elected officials to Target and the shopping center's owner, Kingsbridge Associates, requesting that ICE operations be prohibited on the property.
Organizers say the letter has gone unanswered.
Speakers at the rally, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, State Sen. Gustavo Rivera, and leaders from immigrant-rights organizations, argued that residents should not have to fear immigration enforcement while shopping in their neighborhoods.
Organizers say they are demanding that Target publicly denounce ICE's use of store parking lots, work with property owners to prohibit such activity where legally possible, and respond to concerns raised by local officials.
Advocates say additional demonstrations at Target stores across New York City are being planned.
