U.S. Nurses Call for ICE Abolition in Wake of Colleague’s Death Amid Immigration Crackdown

In a recent incident, Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse working in the intensive care unit at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, was shot multiple times by ICE agents during an anti-immigration operation on Saturday.

The National Nurses United, which represents more than 225,000 members, voiced strong condemnation, declaring, “The nation’s nurses are appalled by the alleged cold-blooded murder of a public servant by immigration agents, who posed no threat. We call for justice and accountability for this tragic incident.”

The incident constitutes the third occurrence this month of shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis, succeeding the fatalities of Renee Good and another person during arrest operations.

On January 7, a 37-year-old American citizen, Renee Good, was tragically shot and killed by an ICE agent. In a separate incident on January 14, another ICE agent shot a Venezuelan national in the leg during an arrest operation.

The National Nurses United (NNU) has expressed sharp criticism of the Trump administration’s recent enforcement actions, asserting that the operations conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) constitute a significant public health risk. The organization stressed that ICE agents have consistently demonstrated violent behavior, highlighting incidents where they allegedly “kidnapped hardworking individuals and have now been responsible for the death of a respected nurse.”

The American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Minnesota Organization of Registered Nurses (MNORN) have released statements expressing their sorrow and calling for transparency in the ongoing investigation.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has expressed profound distress and grief upon learning of the passing of registered nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis earlier today. In a statement, the ANA offered heartfelt condolences to Pretti’s family, colleagues, and the broader community.

ANA expressed its strong condemnation of the violent events and called for thorough accountability and transparency in the investigation to determine the causes behind the incident.

The situation’s gravity and similar occurrences necessitate transparency and accountability. The ANA has called for a comprehensive, unhindered investigation and emphasized the importance of promptly and clearly sharing the findings so that Alex’s family and the public can receive the answers they seek.

The MNORN organization has conveyed profound sorrow in response to the recent loss.

The Minnesota Organization of Registered Nurses (MNORN) has expressed profound sorrow following the tragic loss of a registered nurse in an incident related to immigration enforcement. The organization emphasized that the death transcends political debates, underscoring the shared sense of loss felt within the nursing community. They mourn the passing of a caregiver and colleague, highlighting the deep impact of losing a life dedicated to the service of others.

The Minnesota Nurses Organization (MNORN) has called for compassion and support in the coming days, urging individuals to be gentle with themselves and others. The union emphasized the importance of checking in on each other and providing space for emotions such as sorrow, confusion, and reflection. They encouraged those who are struggling to seek support, reminding members that no one should bear such burdens alone. MNORN also noted the collective impact on the nursing community when one of their own is lost.

Pretti’s family has issued a statement denouncing the recent allegations made against them.

The family of Pretti has strongly denounced the claims branding him as a “domestic terrorist,” maintaining that he was unarmed at the time of the incident. They portrayed him as a caring person with a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Pretti’s family expressed profound sorrow and intense anger over the fatal incident involving Alex, who was known for his Democratic allegiance and participation in progressive demonstrations.

Michael Pretti, the father of Alex, informed the Associated Press that Alex perceived taking part in protests as a means to express his concern for others. His parents characterized him as a compassionate individual, “deeply concerned about people.”

The parents of Alex, residents of Wisconsin, recently advised their son to exercise caution. “We had this discussion with him around two weeks ago, essentially saying that he should feel free to protest, but must refrain from engaging or doing anything reckless,” Alex’s father stated.

The Department of Homeland Security has reported that the shooting took place during a specific operation aimed at an armed target, with officials asserting that the agent discharged their weapon in an act of self-defense.

On Saturday, protests broke out in Minneapolis demanding justice and voicing opposition to federal enforcement measures. In response, Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the Minnesota National Guard to assist with local law enforcement efforts.

Protesters assembled in the vicinity of the most recent shooting incident, causing a surge in tensions across certain areas of the city. Federal agents employed crowd-control tactics, utilizing tear gas and flash bangs, following clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officials.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has approved the deployment of the Minnesota National Guard to support local law enforcement efforts, following a request from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

Governor Walz announced that he had engaged in discussions with the White House, emphasizing the importance of the investigation being conducted under state jurisdiction.

Governor Tim Walz stated on social media platform X that the state possesses the necessary personnel to ensure the safety of its citizens, urging federal agents not to hinder their capability to maintain order.