Union members of the American Federation of Government Employees and other labor leaders are preparing to gather across Michigan to remember those who died in encounters with federal immigration agents.
The public is invited on Sunday, Feb. 1, to honor Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse who was shot and killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents on Jan. 24 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The vigils are part of several others happening at or near VA hospitals across the country for the late AFGE Local 3669 member.
Related: ‘We’re stronger together.’ Muskegon vigil honors those killed by U.S. immigration agents
In a statement remembering Pretti, AFGE shared that Pretti’s selfless sacrifice to serve veterans will forever be remembered.
“May you rest in peace. We will continue the mission you dedicated your life to,” the AFGE wrote.
See below for details on which cities are hosting vigils at or near VA hospitals across Michigan.
Detroit
Led by AFGE Local 933 Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Pastor Charles E. Williams II of Historic King Solomon Baptist Church, and members of AFGE District 7.
The public is encouraged to gather at 6 p.m. outside the Main VA at 4646 John R. St. in Detroit.
Ann Arbor
The gathering is led by AFGE Local 2092 President Robert Malosh, Rev. Manish Mishea of the Marzetti First Unitarian Congregation, members of AFGE Local 2092 and AFGE District 7, union members and community members.
The public can expect to convene at 6 p.m. outside the VA Hospital, 2215 Fuller Road in Ann Arbor.
Battle Creek
From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., this vigil is hosted at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, located at 5500 Armstrong Road at the corner of Dickman and Armstrong.
Attendees are asked to print out flyers available at afge.org/VigilSigns.
