Detroit Vigil Honors Minneapolis Nurse Killed During Immigration Protest

Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a protest against Trump's immigration policies.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:31pm

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Members of the American Federation of Government Employees union, elected officials, religious leaders, and others held a vigil in Detroit to honor Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was killed by federal immigration agents during a protest in Minneapolis on January 24th. Pretti, a 37-year-old VA employee, was shot multiple times by agents after he intervened in a woman's arrest and was accused of unlawfully interfering. The incident is under investigation by the Department of Justice.

Why it matters

Pretti's death has sparked outrage and renewed calls to defund ICE, with critics arguing he was exercising his constitutional right to protest. The vigil highlights growing tensions over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown and the use of force by federal agents against protesters.

The details

According to witnesses, Pretti was recording the agents with his phone and directing traffic before he approached agents who were struggling with a woman they were taking into custody. Pretti was then pepper-sprayed, tackled, and shot after an agent removed a handgun from his waistband. Federal officials have accused Pretti, who had a concealed carry permit, of unlawfully interfering, while critics say he was protesting peacefully.

  • The incident occurred on January 24, 2026 during a protest in Minneapolis.
  • A vigil was held on February 2, 2026 outside the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit.

The players

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old intensive care nurse and member of the American Federation of Government Employees union who worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He was killed by federal agents during a protest in Minneapolis.

Rashida Tlaib

A U.S. Representative from Detroit, Michigan who attended the vigil in Detroit.

Charles Williams II

The pastor of the National Action Network Michigan Chapter and the Historic King Solomon Baptist Church in Detroit, who attended the vigil.

Roachal Ford

A member of AFGE Local 933 who spoke at the vigil, calling for ICE to be defunded.

Bryanaa Wilkiams

Also a member of AFGE Local 933 who spoke at the vigil, saying "America is no longer free."

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What they’re saying

“It's very encouraging to see so many people felt a connection to Alex and wanted to honor him this way. Alex's parents have asked (people) to please stop spreading lies about (their) son. He liked helping people, and he did that until his last breath.”

— Rashida Tlaib, U.S. Representative (modbee.com)

“You are at the right place at the right time. I am grateful to be with people who are making things happen. We are going to win. It may take a lot of time, but we are on the right side of justice and we are going to win. I was taught as a boy to recite the Pledge of Allegiance … but this is not the America I love.”

— Maurice Rudds, Pastor of Greater Mount Tabor Church (modbee.com)

“ICE needs to be defunded. They're killing people.”

— Roachal Ford, Member of AFGE Local 933 (modbee.com)

“This is affecting my generation. America is no longer free.”

— Bryanaa Wilkiams, Member of AFGE Local 933 (modbee.com)

What’s next

The Department of Justice civil rights investigation into Pretti's shooting death is ongoing.

The takeaway

Pretti's killing has sparked outrage and renewed calls to reform or defund federal immigration enforcement agencies like ICE, with critics arguing their aggressive tactics and use of force against protesters violate civil liberties and undermine democratic values.