CHICAGO — Following news reports with more information about the deadly shooting by federal agents of a 37-year old ICU nurse at a VA hospital in Minneapolis, Anabel Mendoza, a lifelong Chicagoan, immigrant rights organizer, and candidate running for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, released the following statement: 

“The killing of Alex Pretti by a federal agent in Minneapolis yesterday was a brutal execution. Footage shows Alex was killed while protecting a woman being harassed by federal agents — killed while caring for others and doing exactly the work he devoted his life to as an ICU nurse at a VA hospital. Nurses are essential caregivers, and I join them in grieving for one of their own.

“Here in Chicago we know this terror all too well, where federal agents have stormed through our neighborhoods and left entire communities living in fear. We know it because just months ago we buried Silverio Villegas González, a Chicago-area father and worker, who was also shot and killed by ICE.

“With the brutal killing of Alex Pretti coming just weeks after ICE agents shot a mother of three in the face, it’s clear that as long as this system is allowed to operate unchecked, it grows bolder, deadlier, and more unrestrained. Donald Trump and his army of terror must be held accountable. In Congress, I will fight to defund and abolish DHS, ICE, and CBP so they can no longer operate without accountability.”

Following news of the killing of Alex Pretti, Anabel organized a march and rally in Oak Park with over 200 attendees to honor his life and demand accountability from ICE and CBP. Speaking to attendees at the rally, Anabel said:  “I will not legitimize state violence or collaborate with systems built to kill our people. And I can assure you one thing: I will use every ounce of power if elected to Congress to shut this machinery down.”

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Anabel Mendoza is a community organizer, immigrant advocate, and the youngest candidate running for Congress in Illinois’ 7th District. A lifelong Chicagoan and the proud daughter and granddaughter of immigrants, she has dedicated her career to fighting for working families, immigrant rights, and a government that serves people, not corporations. She’s running to bring unity, honesty, and courage to Washington. For more information, visit www.anabelforcongress.com