January 30 2026
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) stands in solidarity with healthcare workers and all people of conscience who denounce the senseless and brutal killing of Alex Pretti, a registered nurse and frontline healthcare worker.
Alex was fatally shot by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while acting to protect others in his community. This loss is felt across the family of healthcare workers everywhere, including those here in Canada. NUPGE members are in solidarity with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) which is calling for candlelight vigils in the United States in honour of Alex Peretti and all who have been killed and harmed by ICE.
NUPGE represents over 450,000 members, including tens of thousands of frontline healthcare workers across a variety of professions, including support staff, community healthcare workers, and allied healthcare professionals. NUPGE healthcare workers, just as Alex Pretti did, show up every day to care for patients. They are bound by a “duty of care” which includes a commitment to protect the vulnerable and preserve life. Alex Pretti embodied the highest moral extension of this duty.
Alex’s killing is a tragic loss for his family, his colleagues, and for all who dedicate their lives to care, compassion, and human dignity. NUPGE extends our heartfelt condolences to Alex’s family and to the families of all those who have been killed, harmed or injured through the actions of ICE.
NUPGE believes this is a critical moment for us to work collectively against the violence and injustice we are witnessing.