Urgent Vigil in Oakland: 200 Nurses Demand Justice for Alex Pretti

UPDATE: An urgent vigil unfolded outside UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland on January 26, 2026, where approximately 200 nurses and supporters gathered to honor the memory of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse shot by ICE agents during a protest in Minneapolis. The emotional gathering reflects rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the safety of healthcare workers.

Registered nurse Silvia Lu was deeply affected by Pretti’s death. “I held my tears back the whole day,” Lu stated, emphasizing the personal toll of this tragic event on healthcare professionals. Pretti’s killing has sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice, with many calling for the abolition of ICE.

The vigil, organized by the California Nurses Association, served as a platform for nurses to voice their concerns about the escalating violence tied to immigration enforcement. “I just felt I needed to stand up for this and to just make myself present to the horrendous things that are going on in this country,” remarked nurse Mary Dhont.

This gathering follows a weekend of protests across the Bay Area, including San Francisco and San Jose, highlighting a growing movement against ICE’s actions. Videos from Minneapolis depict ICE agents violently detaining protestors, raising fears that the Bay Area could be the next target for similar operations.

Nurses at the vigil expressed their worries about the safety of immigrant families in their care. “I’m concerned that they’re going to try and take advantage of that vulnerability,” said nurse Michelle Trautman, highlighting the potential for ICE raids on vulnerable patients.

In response to the unrest, tech workers have started an online petition urging Silicon Valley companies to cut ties with ICE, emphasizing that the tech industry possesses the power to effect change. “Today, we’re calling on our CEOs to pick up the phone again,” the petition states.

The Trump administration has characterized Pretti’s shooting as justified, claiming he posed a threat due to a legally registered firearm. Such statements have provoked outrage, with family and supporters disputing the narrative presented by officials. Videos show Pretti assisting a woman during the incident when he was fatally shot.

Local politicians have rallied against further funding for ICE, with U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon condemning the agency’s actions as “cruel and immoral.” As the community unites for justice, many fear for the safety of undocumented immigrants, especially within the healthcare system.

At the vigil, demonstrators held signs declaring “Melt ICE” and “Justice for Alex Pretti,” while traffic honked in solidarity. Attendee Aaron Cortez, 28, shared his fears about potential ICE raids impacting his family. “They just see me by the color of my skin, and that worries me,” he expressed, illustrating the emotional weight of the situation on attendees.

As tensions rise and the demand for justice grows, the vigil serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of immigration policies and the urgent need for reform. The Bay Area community is mobilizing, and further developments are expected in the days ahead.