Nurses Union Condemns Charges Against Protestors of Trump’s ICE Operation

Nurses Union Responds to Federal Charges Against Protestors

National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union representing registered nurses in the United States, has issued a statement addressing recent charges against individuals involved in protests during a 2026 immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota. The operation, named Operation Metro Surge, was initiated by the Trump administration. Federal prosecutors have charged 15 people with conspiracy related to these protests, which took place amidst efforts to counter immigration policies.

NNU criticized the legal actions as a tactic of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent. The union highlighted the protestors' involvement in organizing against what they described as the "secret police" activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the operation. They argue that the charges are politically motivated and intended to deter future protests.

Emphasizing the historical role of unions in opposing oppression, NNU underscored the collective efforts of unions and Minnesota communities in standing against the operation. They referenced the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, which remain uninvestigated by the Department of Justice, according to the union. These incidents have fueled ongoing demands for accountability from the authorities.

NNU praised the protestors' actions, which included organizing online, fundraising, and monitoring federal activities, as legitimate exercises of their rights. They rejected the portrayal of these actions as violent, asserting that the protestors were motivated by a desire to protect their communities.

The union reiterated the importance of organizing against injustice as a core principle of the labor movement, pointing to the significant achievements obtained through collective action, such as improved working conditions and civil rights. NNU affirmed their commitment to advocating for both patient safety and democratic freedoms.

NNU Executive Director Puneet Maharaj stated, “Our solidarity will not be broken. Trade unionists around the country, including NNU members, will not be intimidated by the draconian charges made up by this administration. We will never forget the courageous activists like Alex Pretti who literally put their lives on the line to resist the occupation. Nurses denounce this brazen attempt at intimidation and abuse of power.”

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.