Nurses Rally in Westwood to Honor Alex Pretti After Fatal Shooting by Federal Agents

Nurses held a march and rally to remember their fellow caregiver who was killed in Minneapolis.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Nurses held a march and rally in Westwood, Los Angeles to honor Alex Pretti, a registered nurse who was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. The demonstration was part of a nationwide "week of action" organized by National Nurses United, the largest nurses' union in the U.S. The nurses called for Congress to vote down any spending package that includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Why it matters

The death of Alex Pretti, a nurse who was advocating for his patients and community, has sparked outrage among healthcare workers who see it as an attack on their core values of patient advocacy. The nationwide rallies highlight the growing tensions between law enforcement and caregivers, as well as the ongoing debate over the role and funding of federal immigration agencies.

The details

Two federal officers, a Border Patrol agent and a Customs and Border Protection officer, were involved in the shooting of Alex Pretti and have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure. The nurses at the Westwood rally chanted "Say his name! Alex Pretti!" and held signs calling for the protection of patients' rights.

  • The rally was held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
  • The shooting of Alex Pretti occurred on Saturday, prior to the rally.

The players

Alex Pretti

A registered nurse who was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis.

National Nurses United

The largest organization of registered nurses in the U.S., which organized the nationwide "week of action" rallies.

Roxette Villegas

An ICU nurse who spoke at the Westwood rally, stating that advocating for patients and communities is a core value of nurses.

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What they’re saying

“It is a core value to advocate for our patients and our communities. What Alex Pretti was going -- he was doing the exact same thing. He was using his nursing experience to advocate outside of the hospital.”

— Roxette Villegas, ICU nurse (ABC7)

What’s next

The two federal officers involved in the shooting of Alex Pretti have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure when there is an officer-involved shooting. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The takeaway

The death of Alex Pretti, a nurse who was advocating for his patients and community, has sparked outrage among healthcare workers who see it as an attack on their core values of patient advocacy. The nationwide rallies organized by National Nurses United highlight the growing tensions between law enforcement and caregivers, as well as the ongoing debate over the role and funding of federal immigration agencies.