Press Release

The Association of Black Nursing Faculty, Inc., (ABNF) stands in solidarity with the nursing community, friends, and benefactors of the discipline in expressing sorrow and horror at the tragic death of one of its own. Alex Pretti BSN, RN., a 37- year-old Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse who worked in the Minneapolis VA HealthCare system caring for veterans and advancing cancer research, died at the hands of law enforcement during “Operation Metro Surge” by Border Patrol Agents in his community. ABNF extend our sympathies to Alex’s family, friends, colleagues, patients and loved ones who have experienced his talent.

Be it resolved that ABNF joins with the American Nurses Association (ANA) who dubbed this year 2026 “The Year of the Power of Nurses.” For 130 years ANA has been the backbone of serving millions of nurses who have been on the frontlines of recognizing the major health challenges and demonstrating extraordinary skill, courage, and resilience… leading public health efforts, educating the next generation, shaping health policy” meanwhile advancing the overall health of the nation. (ANA, Nursing World.org, Statement from the American Nurses Association regarding the death of registered nurse Alex Pretti, 2026).

Guided by the Nurses Code of Ethics “Nurses and their professional organizations work to enact and resource practices, policies, and legislation to promote social justice, eliminate health inequities, and facilitate human flourishing.” The Assertion of Nursing Values 9.2, Commitment to Society 9.3, Advancing the Nursing Vision of a Good and Healthy Society 9.4, Challenges of Structural Oppressions 9.5, and National Policies, Programs, and Legislation are aspects of this calling. (ANA, Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Provision 9).

In alignment with ANA, the Association of Black Nursing Faculty calls for justice and the rights of all people, and furthermore request a fair, full, and transparent investigation into the fatal shooting on January 24, 2026, of Alex Pretti. As we mourn this nurse’s death, ABNF recognize many other nurses that are experiencing a variety of loss and challenges. We want you to know that your ongoing work in our profession and your personal contributions are valued.

At ABNF we function with purpose which is “to form and maintain a group whereby Black professional nurses with similar credentials, interest and concerns may work to promote health-related issues and educational interests for the benefit of themselves and the Black community.” Established in 1987.