In Chicago, a solemn prayer vigil took place on Tuesday as nurses, along with labor and faith leaders, gathered to remember Alex Pretti.
Participants paid tribute to Pretti’s contributions as a dedicated nurse while also voicing their disapproval of the Trump administration’s policies.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The event saw healthcare professionals from the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center come together with others who, despite never having met Pretti, felt a deep connection to his work and spirit.
Outside the Jesse Brown VA hospital, white roses now grace the fence, placed there by fellow nurses, veterans, and supporters. These flowers memorialize Pretti, who was captured in a poignant photo honoring a deceased veteran.
“As an ICU nurse, I can’t help but to see myself in Alex Pretti,” shared Scott Mechanic, reflecting on the powerful bond shared among healthcare workers.
“In Minneapolis, many of our members worked side-by-side with Alex. They trusted, respected and deeply loved him,” said Dr. Nicolette Alberti, a resident physician at University of Illinois Chicago Hospital.
The gathering meant to call out the tactics that led to his death at the hands of Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis this past Saturday.
“This hit so close to home because we work with people like Alex in the hospital every single day,” said Dr. Andrew Weber, an internal medicine resident.
And while some said the removal of Gregory Bovino from day-to-day operations in Minneapolis is progress, it is accountability for Pretti’s death, and others at the hands of federal immigration agents, that they seek.
“We have seen multiple murders occur. Nothing has basically been done here in Chicago about the murder of Silverio. So, the change in leadership, that’s some movement. My fear is it’s meant to distract from our demands,” U.S. Navy veteran Daniel Lakemacher said.
That demand is a complete withdrawal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from U.S. cities. It is one that does not appear likely as President Donald Trump Monday announced Border Czar Tom Homan would be taking over leadership of the operation in Minneapolis, which he appeared to indicate will continue.
“Their crime is way down. You know why? Because we took out thousands of criminals out of Minnesota. It’s going very well. We are good,” Trump said.
A second vigil is being planned outside Jesse Brown in honor of Pretti. That one is scheduled to take place Wednesday evening.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
