Alex Pretti, a registered nurse, was killed in a horrifying shooting at the hands of federal immigration enforcement. Alex’s life mattered, and the American Nurses Association denounces his killing and the circumstances surrounding it.

As an ICU nurse, Alex chose a profession devoted to caring for others at their most vulnerable. Nurses have an ethical and professional duty to care for all patients, regardless of background or immigration status.

According to provision 9.3 of the Code of Ethics for Nurses, “It is the shared responsibility of all people and nurses in particular to articulate and advance the notions of good and health within a society. Nursing has a vision for a good society that arises from the values at the core of the profession. A good society is one that treats everyone with respect and dignity, balances justice and compassion, and regards humanity without hierarchy. Nursing strives to create and maintain a good society that supports the opportunity for its members to coexist and flourish.”

In his final moments, it appeared Alex was providing compassionate care to an individual from the community who was on the ground. Subsequently, he was killed.

ANA refuses to normalize violence and fear, regardless of who perpetuates it, both in professional care settings and within our communities. 

When policies threaten safety, access to care, and the public’s trust, nurses have an ethical duty to speak out and demand change.

Congress must act. Ask your legislators for immediate action on: 

• An independent and transparent investigation into Alex Pretti’s killing.

• A full reform of the administration’s strategy that places federal immigration enforcement in our communities.

• An immediate end to federal immigration enforcement efforts that impede a safe workplace environment and/or breach of HIPAA requirements, and the ability to provide care in all healthcare settings.

• No further funding of federal immigration enforcement activities until there are robust hearings and congressional oversight of the conduct of federal immigration enforcement officers within our communities and care settings.

Demand truth for Alex Pretti.

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