The Executive Board of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, the state’s largest healthcare union, issue the following statement condemning the killing of fellow nurse Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis:
“As nurses and healthcare workers, our vow is to provide care to every person we serve with humanity, dignity and compassion, regardless of their situation or background. Healthcare is a human right, as well as the right for children and families to be safe in their own communities. That was the same spirit that Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse, exemplified in caring for and saving the lives of American veterans. And it was in that spirit that Alex was trying to help a protester when he was violently tackled to the ground, pepper-sprayed and shot in the back multiple times by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. He was carrying out our shared calling to be a witness, a protector, a healer. The members of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, our commonwealth’s largest healthcare union, mourn the loss of one of our own, a fellow care provider, union member and advocate for justice. We honor his legacy and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and coworkers.
“The cruelty and brutality of ICE agents and the Trump administration are damaging our ability to care for our communities. We are hearing from patients who have tearfully told us they are terrified of leaving their homes to seek our care. Cancer patients who have missed chemo treatments, expecting mothers who skip essential prenatal care. We want to let them know that we are committed to ensuring our hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and home care programs continue to be protected places where everyone can safely receive care, and expect our employers to make the same commitment.
“Alex’s killing is a direct attack on the freedom and basic values of every American. Alex was non-violently exercising his freedom under the Constitution when he was executed. This marks the fourth brutal killing by federal agents, who have smashed down families’ doors without warrants, detained children and cruelly separated families. We cannot allow more of our hard-earned tax dollars to support an out of control federal agency that is abusing its power. If federal agents are allowed to get away with these actions and violate the rule of law – without accountability or independent investigations – everyone’s freedoms are at risk. We are united to stop these barbaric attacks, protect our patients and communities, and stand up for our country.”