Nurses Union calls ICE agents a "public health threat" after Alex Pretti killing

January 26, 2026 - 00:59

The national nurses' union has issued a forceful condemnation, labeling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as a "public health threat." This stark declaration follows the tragic killing of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, during an attempted carjacking. The suspect in custody is reported to be a migrant who was previously released by ICE despite a detainer request.

Colleagues remembered Alex Pretti as a kind and dedicated ICU nurse at the VA. His death has ignited fierce criticism from nursing organizations, which argue that federal immigration policies are failing to protect communities. The union asserts that the release of individuals with violent criminal histories, due to what they call non-cooperation policies between local jurisdictions and ICE, directly endangers public safety and the healthcare workers serving on the front lines.

The statement underscores a growing tension between public health advocacy and immigration enforcement. Nurses, the union states, are committed to caring for all patients regardless of background, but they now find themselves and their communities at risk due to systemic policy failures. The incident has sparked calls for a full investigation and a urgent reevaluation of current protocols to prevent further tragedy.