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Vigil Held in Washington D.C. for VA Nurse Killed by Border Patrol Agents

A somber gathering took place outside the Department of Veterans Affairs headquarters in Washington, D.C., as hundreds mourned the loss of Alex Pretti, a nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center who was fatally shot by Customs adn Border Protection agents on Saturday.

Hundreds braved frigid temperatures and snow drifts to attend the vigil, organized by over two dozen labor unions and advocacy groups. The event served as both a tribute to Pretti and a protest against the actions of the Border Patrol, with attendees offering prayers, delivering speeches, and chanting slogans critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Did you know? – Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the primary law enforcement agency of the Department of Homeland Security. It is responsible for securing U.S. borders and enforcing immigration laws.

Calls for Justice and a “Call to Action”

Daniel Amyx, a colleague of Pretti’s, delivered a notably moving address, overcome with emotion as he stated, “Alex Pretti has been relieved. Those of you standing here are the next shift. We need to get that work done!” Amyx explained to CNN that he traveled to Washington to demand justice for Pretti and to contribute to a broader effort to address the issues that led to his death.He also shared that nurses at the Minneapolis VA wore black scrubs on Monday, two days after the shooting, and established a “walk of honor” in Pretti’s memory within the hospital.

The tragedy has ignited a sense of urgency among federal employees. “As a fellow civil servant myself, I think this is a call to action for all of us,” said one of the event’s organizers, a federal employee who requested anonymity.

Pro tip – Federal employees have a right to participate in protected concerted activity, which includes protesting and advocating for workplace improvements, as long as it doesn’t disrupt agency operations.

Concerns Over Attacks on the Civil Service

The organizer further asserted that Pretti’s death represents a larger pattern. “This is just one more example of this governance’s attack on the civil service,” the organizer told CNN. “It’s an egregious example. He paid the ultimate price. But this is a continuation of attacks on the American people and the civil service.” This sentiment underscores growing anxieties about the safety and autonomy of federal workers.

demonstrations of Grief and Protest

Attendees at the vigil honored Pretti with lit candles, and a makeshift memorial was created, featuring candles arranged around a portrait of the fallen nurse.Demonstrators carried signs expressing their outrage,with messages like “Crush ICE,” “Snow is splendid but ICE sucks!” and “Freeze all ICE raids now.” These displays of grief and protest highlight the deep emotional impact of Pretti’s death and the broader concerns about immigration enforcement policies.

the vigil served as a powerful demonstration of solidarity and a demand for accountability in the wake of this tragic event.

Why: Alex Pretti, a VA nurse, was fatally shot by Customs and Border Protection agents. The shooting sparked outrage and a vigil in Washington D.C.
Who: Alex Pretti, a nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was the victim. Customs and Border Protection agents were involved.Daniel Amyx, a colleague, spoke at the vigil. Over two dozen labor unions and advocacy groups organized the event.
What: A vigil was held to mourn Pretti’s death and protest the actions of the border Patrol, highlighting concerns about attacks on the civil service and immigration enforcement policies.
How did it end?: The vigil concluded as a demonstration of solidarity and a demand for accountability,with attendees expressing grief and outrage through prayers,speeches,chants,and a makeshift memorial. The incident continues to fuel calls for justice and a reevaluation of immigration enforcement practices.