Readers Write: Fear of ICE, immigration laws, governor’s race, Target boycott, Kristi Noem

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My wife is an American citizen originally from the Philippines. She married me, obtained a green card and, five years later, became an American. We live in St. Louis Park, which has had a large Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence over the past month due to a large immigrant population.

My wife hasn’t had any encounters with ICE. Do you know why? Because she’s terrified to leave the house. In the mornings she sobs in the shower wondering when this will end. She trades messages through texts and social media with her immigrant friends on where ICE is and how to stay safe. Maybe this week she’ll feel safe enough to venture out — of course, not without her passport to prove she’s really a citizen to the skeptical ICE agents.

Greg Kjos, St. Louis Park

It is inspiring to see hundreds of thousands of us and Democratic leaders stand up against President Donald Trump’s lawless assault on our state.

But honorable Democratic leaders should also acknowledge firmly that uncontrolled illegal immigration is a serious problem and deserves lawful enforcement. This does not repudiate America’s commitment to the world’s tired and poor yearning to breathe free. We can’t take them all, nor can we take them in numbers that overwhelm our culture, values and institutions. Our real answer is to set the example that helps them bring liberty and prosperity to their own land.

This wannabe has mentioned on several occasions that America won’t need elections. He is threatening military aggression against a free country. He has made the Justice Department a lawless instrument to attack opponents. His talk about important issues — immigration, crime, domestic threats — is theater. He uses them only as pretext to put violent armed troops on the street to assault opposition and suppress lawful protest in his lust to turn us into a police state under his hobnail boots. What kind of example to the world is this?

De-escalation is good, but it is symptom-curing. The diagnosis is the dictator wannabe at the top. Symptoms will return until he is gone.

Honorable Republicans, do not desert your party; reclaim it. This nation needs an honest conservative party. Impeach Trump and all his lawless lickspittles selling out our country. Vote them out. Elect honorable conservatives who make it explicit they will oppose Trump.

Walter McClure, Edina

As Minnesota remains under siege by the Trump administration and immigration agents, I find myself increasingly grateful to Chris Madel, who recently — and courageously — proclaimed, “I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so.” He also said he could no longer look his daughters in the eye if he did not take such a stand. But where are other prominent Minnesota Republicans — both native Minnesotans and proud transplants — when we need them? Why are people like former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen and former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, essentially silent when their influential voices would be invaluable about now? While it has become increasingly clear that we cannot count on our current Republican congressmen and congresswomen for political courage — even when people in their own state and districts are both literally and figuratively being attacked — I fail to understand the complacency of some of our most well-regarded veteran leaders.

Dan Haugen, Plymouth

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Reading that Madel is dropping out of the race for Republican nominee for Minnesota governor is refreshing. Citing that he “cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state” is noble and a “high road” position. The problem: Instead of rolling up his sleeves and committing to change, he runs and hides. His decision and inaction goes to prove he wasn’t the right guy to start with. Leaders don’t run from the fire; they engage it and look to douse the flames. Madel is not a leader ... at least not a leader we need.

Bill Rodgers, Chanhassen

My wife and I got into an argument because I asked something that was on both of our minds: Do we need to stop shopping at Target?

Well, until it did ... kind of? Instead of addressing the brutality, it provided its signature on an otherwise evasive response from local business leaders. I’m not interested in speculating about why. Speaking up might be expensive for business, but in this instance, silence should cost more. Target built its brand on being part of Minnesota’s identity, and when its own people needed them to say something — anything — it was quiet.

So my wife and I made a decision. We’re done. It’s not a boycott with signs and slogans. It’s just two people who can’t keep spending money at a place that didn’t stand up for the people who shop or work there.

We got a Costco membership. That’s where we’ll be.

Alex Frecon, Minneapolis

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Target is not the worst corporation that capitulated the authoritarian project, nor is it likely the worst in its silence as Immigration and Customs Enforcement has terrorized Minnesota. But it is the most disappointing. “Target: Come Home to Your Values” was the sign I held, because I remember when Target was an ethical corporation that supported our community with financial contributions that fostered equity, inclusion and, yes, diversity. I remember when Target cared about us.

A senior Target leader sat on the board of a nonprofit I once led and brought his considerable talent to helping low-income young people access internships and opportunity. They are the same young people now sheltering at home, afraid for their families and themselves because ICE is likely to assault, detain or abuse them. They are the same kids whose parents can no longer work to feed them and who, because they are Black or brown, must carry their U.S. passport. They are the future workforce of Minnesota.

A new CEO begins at Target this week. I hope he sees the damage that has been done to Target’s reputation and standing in our community. I hope he has the courage to speak out about the egregious actions of ICE. I hope he returns Target to the values that once made us proud. Corporations, like people, can make mistakes. They can also rectify them and come home.

Pam Costain, Minneapolis

“Befehl sind Befehl.” In English, “Orders are orders.” At the trial of Nazis at Nuremberg, judges had no problem saying that was not a defense and would not be considered. At best, it’s an explanation. Like, “Hey, I needed the money, so I stole your wallet,” or, “I needed a ride, so I stole your car.” Those might be something a thief might offer in their insanity plea, but it’s not a defense. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem saying that everything she’s done she did at the order of the president or White House adviser Stephen Miller is simply an admission of guilt and evidence of the president’s and Miller’s guilt. We’ve known that since at least 1945.