On February 19, 2026, registered nurses from Los Angeles gathered at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which they described as one of the biggest threats to public health in the country.
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yahoo.comThe demonstration was part of a coordinated nationwide day of action organized by National Nurses United, the largest union of registered nurses in the United States, which represents over 225,000 members.
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motherjones.comThe protest was sparked by the recent death of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who was shot and killed by ICE agents while acting as a peaceful observer during an immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis.
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motherjones.comyahoo.comThis incident has led to outrage among the nursing community, as they express concerns that the presence of ICE in medical facilities discourages immigrant patients from seeking necessary medical care.
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yahoo.comMary Turner, an ICU RN from Minneapolis who participated in the Los Angeles protest, emphasized the importance of advocating for patients both inside and outside the hospital."We nurses take an oath to always advocate for the health and safety of our patients, and that means not only at the bedside, but beyond," Turner stated.
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yahoo.comShe highlighted that the fear instilled by ICE operations is detrimental to community health, stating, "We can't stress enough the public health danger that ICE and border patrol are posing to our patients and our communities.".
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yahoo.comThe nurses' demands include immediate congressional action to defund ICE and to abolish the agency altogether, which they argue poses a direct threat to the well-being of vulnerable populations.
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nationalnursesunited.orgmotherjones.comThey assert that hospital executives have failed to protect immigrant patients by allowing ICE activities in and around healthcare facilities.
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yahoo.comThe Department of Homeland Security has previously claimed that ICE does not conduct operations in hospitals; however, nurses and activists argue that this is not reflected in the experiences of immigrant communities.
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yahoo.comThe protest at UCLA is the latest in a series of demonstrations against immigration enforcement, which have included student walkouts and public vigils for those affected by ICE actions.
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latimes.comIn light of the growing tension between immigration enforcement and public health, the National Nurses United union has called for a nationwide reevaluation of ICE's operations.They argue that the agency's actions not only endanger the lives of individuals but also compromise the broader healthcare system by creating a climate of fear that prevents people from seeking medical attention.
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motherjones.comyahoo.comThe rally in Los Angeles coincided with similar protests across the nation, aimed at highlighting the growing frustrations regarding immigration policies and their impact on public health.As discussions about immigration reform continue, the nurses' movement serves as a reminder of the intersection between healthcare access and social justice.
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yahoo.comlatimes.comAs the situation unfolds, the National Nurses United union remains committed to advocating for the rights of all patients, emphasizing that healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of immigration status.
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nationalnursesunited.orgThe call to action resonates with many healthcare providers who believe that the current immigration enforcement practices compromise not only individual health outcomes but also the health of communities at large.
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motherjones.comyahoo.comIn the coming weeks, nurses and supporters plan to continue their advocacy efforts, pushing for legislative changes that would protect immigrant communities from ICE's enforcement tactics.
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latimes.comThe tragic loss of Alex Pretti has galvanized the nursing community, reinforcing their commitment to fight for a healthcare system that prioritizes compassion and care over fear and intimidation.
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nationalnursesunited.orgmotherjones.comyahoo.comThe Los Angeles protest serves as a critical moment in the ongoing debate about healthcare access and the role of immigration enforcement in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
