01/26/2026
Public Statement: Health Care Advocacy Organizations Respond to Killing of Alex Pretti
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 20226 | Minneapolis, Minnesota
Media Contacts:
Health Care for All MN: Anne Jones, 612-964-8370, anne@annejonesmn.com
Physicians for a National Health Program – MN: Dave Dvorak, 612-703-6692, davedvorak@mac.com
Students for a National Health Program – UMN-TC: Miranda Harris, 561-414-3590, mirandaharrismartinez@gmail.com/snahpumn@gmail.com
Health Care For All MN, Physicians for a National Health Program and Students for a National Health Program condemn the killing of Alex Pretti, a Minnesota ICU nurse, by federal immigration agents yesterday. Alex was documenting their actions - an act of civic responsibility and moral courage - when he was shot and killed. This use of lethal force was unlawful, unjustifiable, and inhumane.
As organizations representing thousands of Minnesotans, providers and patients, we are devastated and outraged that a colleague dedicated to saving lives was met with violence. His death represents not only a profound personal loss, but a violation of the ethical principles that guide our work: respect for human dignity, protection of life, and accountability for harm.
The footage and eyewitness accounts show a gross abuse of power that cannot be tolerated in a just society. No individual - especially one acting as a witness to government conduct - should ever face lethal retaliation.
We call for:
An immediate, independent investigation into the killing of Alex Pretti.
Full transparency from all federal agencies involved.
Accountability measures for the agents and leadership responsible.
Protections for healthcare workers, community members, and legal observers who document government actions.
ICE out of Minnesota immediately.
Defund ICE, Congress must not only vote against increased funding for ICE, but they must act to abolish it.
Alex’s life and service mattered. His death must not be ignored, minimized, or forgotten. We stand with his family, colleagues, and community in grief - and in the demand for justice.