Thousands of people gathered in Washington D.C., despite sub-zero temperatures, to pay tribute to intensive care nurse Alex Pretti and poet Renee Good, who were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis last month. The crowd chanted slogans such as "No more funding for CBP" and "Stop killing our neighbors," highlighting the growing public outcry against the Trump administration's immigration policies.
The event was organized by National Nurses United (NNU) across the country, with vigils taking place in dozens of cities, including Chicago, New York, and San Diego. The protests come after a key spending package on DHS funding failed to pass the Senate, leaving it uncertain whether the agency will receive increased funding this year.
College student Nolan Lee, who grew up blocks from where Pretti was killed, said that his parents' work as nurses in Minneapolis had instilled in him a sense of community and solidarity. "I believe that Minneapolis is leading the way by showing us what we need to do," he said. "We need to hold community – and a general strike."
The protests have gained momentum, with activists calling for a nationwide shutdown on Friday, advocating "no work, no school, no shopping" as a form of protest against the Trump administration's sweeping immigration crackdowns. Susan Benesch, founder and director of the Dangerous Speech Project, said that she felt an "enormous duty" to participate in the protests, mourning Pretti and Good and others who have been injured and killed by federal agents.
Staff at the VA have expressed frustration with Secretary Doug Collins' response to Pretti's killing, which they claim ignores the agency's concerns about the Trump administration's policies. Douglas Massey, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 17, said that Collins is "not caring about VA employees" and should be held accountable.
The protests have also highlighted the role of nurses in standing up against government policies that compromise patient care. Christine Grant, a nurse at the Washington VA Medical Center, said that it's a nurse's job to ask: "How may I serve?" – an invitation to extend a hand and stand up for what is right. Daniel Amyx, a nurse at the Minneapolis VA, has created hundreds of lapel buttons to commemorate Pretti's work, calling on others to join him in demanding better care for patients.
As the protests continue, the nation remains divided over immigration policies and government accountability. However, it seems that the tide is shifting, with more people speaking out against the Trump administration's actions.
The event was organized by National Nurses United (NNU) across the country, with vigils taking place in dozens of cities, including Chicago, New York, and San Diego. The protests come after a key spending package on DHS funding failed to pass the Senate, leaving it uncertain whether the agency will receive increased funding this year.
College student Nolan Lee, who grew up blocks from where Pretti was killed, said that his parents' work as nurses in Minneapolis had instilled in him a sense of community and solidarity. "I believe that Minneapolis is leading the way by showing us what we need to do," he said. "We need to hold community – and a general strike."
The protests have gained momentum, with activists calling for a nationwide shutdown on Friday, advocating "no work, no school, no shopping" as a form of protest against the Trump administration's sweeping immigration crackdowns. Susan Benesch, founder and director of the Dangerous Speech Project, said that she felt an "enormous duty" to participate in the protests, mourning Pretti and Good and others who have been injured and killed by federal agents.
Staff at the VA have expressed frustration with Secretary Doug Collins' response to Pretti's killing, which they claim ignores the agency's concerns about the Trump administration's policies. Douglas Massey, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 17, said that Collins is "not caring about VA employees" and should be held accountable.
The protests have also highlighted the role of nurses in standing up against government policies that compromise patient care. Christine Grant, a nurse at the Washington VA Medical Center, said that it's a nurse's job to ask: "How may I serve?" – an invitation to extend a hand and stand up for what is right. Daniel Amyx, a nurse at the Minneapolis VA, has created hundreds of lapel buttons to commemorate Pretti's work, calling on others to join him in demanding better care for patients.
As the protests continue, the nation remains divided over immigration policies and government accountability. However, it seems that the tide is shifting, with more people speaking out against the Trump administration's actions.
. I'm actually kinda worried about what's going on in this country right now. These protests are huge and they need to keep happening 
. The fact that these nurses were just doing their job and got caught up in all this is absolutely unacceptable 
. It's like, come on, guys, let's talk about this stuff in a real way 
. We can't just be mad at the government, we gotta figure out solutions too 
. And yeah, I feel you, Susan, mourning these women and others who've been hurt is huge 
. It's like, we're actually talking to each other about this stuff now 
... maybe for real this time? 
It's crazy how a lot of ppl are coming together to stand up 4 what's rite in this country rn. Losing Alex & Renee is devastating & I think we can all agree that their deaths shouldn't've happened like dat 
. I love how nurses are at the forefront of this movement, reminding us all that our jobs are 2 provide care, not compromise it 
. Let's keep pushing 4 better policies & more accountability 
. It's not just about Alex Pretti and Renee Good, but also about the countless others who have been affected by the Trump administration's immigration policies 
. They're not just advocating for policy changes, but also for a fundamental shift in the way healthcare is provided. It's time for the government to listen and respond to these concerns 
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. im not sayin CBP agents dont deserve 2 b held accountable, but let's not get too caught up in the hype. whats next? gonna start shuttin down schools & stores too? thatd be some crazy stuff 
. and can we talk about how ridiculous it is 4 ppl 2 b so passionate abt their politicians... cant they just chill & watch Netflix or smthn 
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It's like, what even is the point of having a gov't if they can't protect its own people?! 
I think what's really resonating with me is the role of nurses in standing up against gov't policies that compromise patient care. They're literally the real MVPs 
. And while it's admirable that nurses are speaking up about patient care, can't we have this conversation without shutting down the entire system? A nationwide shutdown sounds like a recipe for disaster 
? Is this really going to change anything?
it's like, what even is the point of havin' cops if they're gonna be more aggressive than the ppl they're supposed to protect? 
I was watching this event in D.C and I gotta say its not just about Alex Pretti and Renee Good, its about a movement 
these nurses were doing their job and risking their lives to help others and thats what makes it all the more tragic. But the fact that people are standing up for them and demanding change is incredible 
and ppl are still gathering in DC to pay tribute? Like, what even is going on? 
and the government not listening to ppl's concerns 
like they're saying "hey, we need better care for patients" 
Anyway, it's great that people are finally standing up for what's right – like, who needs a national shutdown when you can just have a good old-fashioned work stoppage, am I right? 
The fact that Collins is ignoring VA employees' concerns is, like, so on brand for the Trump administration... 
. it's not right that nurses are having to deal with this, they should be helping people not worrying about the government 
. The idea of a nationwide shutdown on Friday sounds crazy, but I'm all for it 
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. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we can't trust the system right now," and that's not a bad thing 
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they're just chillin in their enclosure like "why are we here again?" meanwhile i was thinking about trying out this new vegan cafe downtown has anyone tried it? i heard their hot chocolate is to die for 
. national nurses united doing great work btw 