San Diego, January 30, 2026
A vigil was held at the VA Medical Center San Diego to honor registered nurse Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal agents. Organized by National Nurses United, the event drew participants who commemorated Pretti’s life and advocated for the abolition of ICE while expressing solidarity with those affected by federal immigration enforcement. The tribute is part of a larger movement seeking policy reform in federal immigration practices.
Vigil Held in San Diego for Slain Nurse Alex Pretti
San Diego, CA — A vigil was held at the VA Medical Center San Diego on Thursday evening to honor the life of registered nurse Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis last weekend. The event was organized by local members of National Nurses United, a union representing over 225,000 nurses nationwide. Participants gathered to remember Pretti and all individuals who have lost their lives due to federal immigration enforcement actions. They also called for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and urged Congress to cease funding the Department of Homeland Security for ICE operations.
Details of the Vigil
The vigil commenced at 7:30 p.m. at the VA Medical Center San Diego, located at 9598 Gilman Drive. Attendees included registered nurses and community members who paid their respects to Pretti and expressed solidarity with those affected by federal immigration enforcement. The gathering was part of a series of nationwide actions organized by National Nurses United to honor Pretti and advocate for policy changes regarding ICE.
Background on Alex Pretti
Alex Pretti, 37, was a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis. He was killed on January 24, 2026, when federal agents attempted to detain him after he intervened to protect a protester during an immigration enforcement operation. Pretti’s death followed the January 7 shooting of another protester, Renee Good, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. These incidents have sparked widespread outrage and calls for reform of federal immigration enforcement practices.
National Response and Calls for Reform
In response to Pretti’s death, National Nurses United has initiated a week of actions across multiple states, including candlelight vigils and rallies, to honor Pretti and others who have died due to ICE actions. The organization has called for the abolition of ICE and for Congress to halt funding for the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement activities. The Massachusetts Nurses Association, a union representing nurses across the state, is planning vigils for Pretti at Boston Medical Center, Worcester VA Clinic, and Northampton VA Medical Center. These events aim to honor Pretti’s service as a nurse and advocate for human rights and public health.
Community Support and Solidarity
The vigil in San Diego was part of a broader movement of healthcare workers and community members coming together to honor Pretti and advocate for policy changes. Similar vigils and rallies have been held in other cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and West Palm Beach, demonstrating widespread support and a collective call for justice and reform.
Conclusion
The San Diego vigil for Alex Pretti reflects a growing national movement advocating for the abolition of ICE and reforms to federal immigration enforcement practices. Community members and healthcare workers continue to honor Pretti’s memory and call for policy changes to prevent further loss of life due to immigration enforcement actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the purpose of the vigil held in San Diego?
The vigil aimed to honor the life of registered nurse Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, and to advocate for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Who organized the vigil?
The vigil was organized by local members of National Nurses United, a union representing over 225,000 nurses nationwide.
Where and when did the vigil take place?
The vigil took place at the VA Medical Center San Diego, located at 9598 Gilman Drive, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening.
What happened to Alex Pretti?
Alex Pretti, 37, was a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis. He was killed on January 24, 2026, when federal agents attempted to detain him after he intervened to protect a protester during an immigration enforcement operation.
What is National Nurses United advocating for?
National Nurses United is advocating for the abolition of ICE and for Congress to halt funding for the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement activities.
Have similar vigils been held elsewhere?
Yes, similar vigils and rallies have been held in other cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and West Palm Beach, demonstrating widespread support and a collective call for justice and reform.
Key Features of the Vigil in San Diego
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | VA Medical Center San Diego, 9598 Gilman Drive |
| Time | 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening |
| Organizer | Local members of National Nurses United |
| Purpose | Honor Alex Pretti and advocate for the abolition of ICE |
| Attendees | Registered nurses and community members |
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