PONC Statement on Minnesota and the Ethical Obligations of Nursing

January 27, 2026-The Professional Organizations representing Nurses of Color (PONC) strongly condemn the ongoing violence in Minnesota connected to federal immigration enforcement operations, including the fatal shooting of registered nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a federal enforcement action in Minneapolis.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Alex Pretti and all those affected by these events.

We acknowledge that investigations into these incidents are ongoing and that official accounts differ from witness statements and video evidence. Regardless of these differences, the loss of human life, especially that of a nurse who dedicated his life to caring for others has shaken communities and raised serious concerns about use of force and accountability.

We echo the American Nurses Association’s call for a full, independent, and transparent investigation of his death and for clear public accountability. Violence in our communities endangers nurses, patients, families, neighbors, and threatens trust in public safety and public health.

Nurses are ethically bound to protect human dignity, defend human rights, and advocate for just policies that promote safety and wellbeing. Silence in the face of preventable loss of life is inconsistent with our professional values and the principles outlined in nursing’s Code of Ethics. We must lend our collective voice against acts that cause harm and undermine community trust. We are deeply concerned about federal immigration enforcement tactics and their impact on community safety, trust, and public health. These events caused fear, pain, and a diminished sense of security in communities already stressed by inequity and violence.

We stand in solidarity with Minnesota communities, nurses, and all those demanding accountability, justice, and meaningful reforms. We call for full, independent, transparent investigations of these incidents and actionable reforms that protect lives, uphold human rights, and ensure that healthcare professionals and community members can observe and engage in civic life without fear of violence.

This statement reflects the shared commitment of professional organizations representing over one million racially and ethnically diverse nurses across the United States, including:

1. The Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (ADLN)
2. The Alliance of Cosmetic Nurse Practitioners™ (ACNP)
3. Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association
4. Black Nurse Collaborative, Inc
5. Black Nurses Week®
6. Black PhD Nurse Scientists.
7. Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated
8. Deborah Stamps Consulting, LLC
9. DNPs of Color
10. Ghanaian-Diaspora Nursing Alliance (G-DNA)
11.  International Association of Latino Nurse Faculty/Nurse Leaders
12. McIntosh Advocacy and Consulting, LLC
13. The Melanin Initiative Podcast
14. Multicultural CRNA Conference
15. National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association
16. National Association of Hispanic Nurses
17. National Black Nurses Association, Inc
18. The National Black Nurse Practitioner Association
19. Network of Black Male Nurse Leaders
20. Nursing Social Justice Collaborative
21. Philippine Nurses Association of America
22. Society of Internationally Educated Nurses and Nursing Allies (SIENNA)
23. Society of Latinx Nurses (SOLN)
24. The Society of PMHNPs of Color

About the Professional Organizations representing Nurses of Color (PONC)

The Professional Organizations representing Nurses of Color (PONC) is a collaborative of nursing organizations committed to advancing ethical practice, protecting human dignity, and advocating for just policies that impact nurses and the communities they serve. PONC works across specialties and practice settings to elevate the voices of nurses of color, address systemic inequities, and promote accountability, transparency, and safety within healthcare and society. Through collective advocacy, education, and coordinated action, PONC affirms the ethical obligations of nursing and supports efforts that safeguard both the nursing workforce and the public.