Vigil for Alex Pretti: Nurses Demand Abolition of ICE

On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU registered nurse, was killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Minneapolis while acting as a legal observer during an ICE operation. In response to his death, hundreds of union nurses, federal workers, and local residents gathered outside the Veterans Affairs central office building in Washington, D.C., on January 28 to hold a vigil honoring Pretti and all victims of ICE violence. The event was organized by National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States.

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NNU has called for the abolition of ICE, framing the agency as a "violent, racist, and lawless" entity that poses a public health threat. The union emphasized that Pretti's death should not be in vain and urged nurses across the country to mobilize against the perceived injustices perpetrated by ICE. In a statement, NNU declared, “We nurses will fight to abolish ICE and bring about a vision for a healthy society based on nurses’ values of caring, compassion, and community.”

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Attendees expressed their grief and anger over Pretti's death. An ICU nurse from Washington Hospital Center remarked, “If he can give his life for someone else, I can come together with nurses across the country to help protect others.” This sentiment was echoed by other participants who highlighted the need for nurses to advocate for undocumented individuals and communities of color at risk of ICE violence.

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Mia, a nursing student with personal ties to immigrant communities, articulated the emotional impact of witnessing such violence, stating, “The fact that I saw an innocent man be killed... really hurt me.” Another attendee, Nadine Seiler, shared her own experiences as an undocumented immigrant, expressing fear for her safety under the current administration and calling for accountability and justice.

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The vigil and the subsequent calls for action reflect a growing movement among healthcare professionals to address systemic issues related to immigration enforcement and public health. NNU's campaign aims to not only honor Pretti's sacrifice but also to challenge the broader implications of ICE's actions on community health and safety.

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In their communications, NNU has emphasized the need for collective action, urging nurses and community members to organize and advocate for those affected by ICE's policies. The union's leadership has stated that the ongoing violence against communities of color must be met with a unified response from healthcare professionals.

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While the circumstances surrounding Pretti's death have prompted widespread condemnation, there are varying accounts regarding the details of the incident and the broader context of ICE operations. Some sources highlight the need for further investigation into the actions of CBP agents, while others focus on the systemic issues that allow such violence to persist.

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• “Alex lost his life defending a woman in his community, and his death shouldn’t have happened.” — Avi, Federal Worker

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• “I shouldn’t have to be out standing in the cold in front of the Veterans Administration because of ICE murdering people in the United States.” — Nadine Seiler, Vigil Attendee

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The vigil for Alex Pretti serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between healthcare, immigration policy, and community safety, igniting a call to action among nurses and advocates nationwide.

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