Michael Fiddelke assumes the role of Target’s chief executive this weekend, inheriting a host of urgent challenges in Minneapolis, where the retailer is headquartered. Fiddelke, who joined Target as a finance intern two decades ago and most recently served as chief operating officer, must reverse a 25% decline in the company’s share value over the past year and address 10 of the last 12 quarters of flat or contracting comparable-store sales. He also steps into a fraught social and political environment, with local protests over federal immigration enforcement activities placing additional scrutiny on corporate responses and employee safety.

In response to recent detentions conducted by federal agents at area stores, more than 300 Target employees signed a letter urging headquarters to bar immigration-enforcement personnel from its locations and to adopt stronger protections for workers. The demonstrations in Portland and Minneapolis have drawn national media attention and tapped high-profile supporters. While one senator has secured a temporary halt to enhanced immigration activities in Maine, Target’s leadership has opted for measured public statements. In a video message, Fiddelke expressed pain at the unfolding events but stopped short of naming agencies or political figures, aiming to balance legal obligations with employee morale.

Target has not posted positive comparable sales growth in more than five years, with only two quarters of year-over-year gains in the past 12 reporting periods. This erosion of momentum has seen the company fall off Fortune’s list of 50 Most Admired, while peers such as Walmart and Costco climbed into the top ten. At last August’s earnings call, Fiddelke previewed a three-point recovery plan focused on reinvigorating Target’s design credentials, enhancing in-store experiences, and accelerating technology investments. With former CEO Brian Cornell remaining as executive chairman, Fiddelke must secure board support for any strategic pivots and mobilize teams to deliver tangible improvements before year-end.