Oakland Nurses Hold Vigil for Slain Colleague, Demand Justice

UPDATE: Approximately 200 nurses and supporters gathered in Oakland, California, on January 26, 2026, for a candlelight vigil to honor Alex Pretti, a fellow ICU nurse fatally shot during a protest against ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in Minneapolis. This tragic incident highlights the rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S. and has ignited urgent calls for justice and reform.

Registered nurse Silvia Lu was deeply affected by Pretti’s death while working at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. “I held my tears back the whole day,” she stated, illustrating the profound emotional toll on healthcare professionals witnessing such violence within their community. The vigil was organized by the California Nurses Association and served as a powerful display of solidarity against the backdrop of escalating immigration crackdowns.

Participants expressed their outrage and fear over the potential for ICE operations in the Bay Area, which is home to nearly 500,000 undocumented immigrants. “This cannot continue, and we know the tech industry can make a difference,” read a petition circulating among tech workers urging Silicon Valley CEOs to terminate contracts with ICE. The emotional atmosphere was palpable, as many attendees held signs demanding justice and the abolition of ICE.

The event followed a weekend of protests across the region, with healthcare workers voicing their concerns about the implications of ICE’s actions on vulnerable families. “We take care of a lot of families, immigrant families, patients that may not have the ability to afford care otherwise,” nurse Michelle Trautman remarked, emphasizing the fear that ICE could target their patients during critical care.

In the wake of Pretti’s death, the Trump administration’s characterization of the incident as justified has sparked outrage. Officials claimed Pretti posed a threat due to a legally registered firearm, a narrative that his family and supporters have vehemently rejected, citing videos showing him attempting to assist others during the chaos.

Congress members from the Bay Area have taken a stand against further funding for ICE, with U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon condemning the agency’s actions. “What we’re witnessing is cruel, immoral, and completely at odds with the promise of the American dream,” she stated.

As cars honked in solidarity while passing the vigil at the intersection of 52nd Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, attendees felt a sense of unity amid fear. “I had to show that we’re all here together,” said Aaron Cortez, a participant who expressed concern for his family’s safety.

The situation remains tense, with the potential for further protests and actions against ICE anticipated in the coming days. As healthcare professionals continue to advocate for justice, the community’s resilience in the face of tragedy will be crucial in shaping the ongoing dialogue surrounding immigration policy and its impact on families across the nation.

This developing story highlights the urgent need for systemic change and the human cost of immigration enforcement as communities rally for justice and solidarity.