Hundreds gathered outside the Manhattan VA on Thursday to hold a vigil protesting the killing of Alex Pretti.

Pretti was an ICU nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis who was shot and killed last week during an encounter with federal immigration agents.

What You Need To Know

Hundreds gathered outside the Manhattan VA on Thursday to hold a vigil protesting the killing of Alex Pretti

Pretti was an ICU nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis who was shot and killed last week during an encounter with federal immigration agents

In Minneapolis Thursday morning, White House border czar Tom Holman defended federal operations while acknowledging changes may be needed

Several protests have happened across the city in the last several days with another large gathering expected on Friday at Foley Square

“Alex Pretti should be here today, with us, and he is not,” Michael Matos, the founder and president of Five Borough Veterans, said.

Pretti’s death is the latest flashpoint over how immigration and enforcement are carried out. Organizers chose this location to honor him at a place connected to his service as a nurse.

“He chose to put himself in harm’s way at the defense of another. In our community, that is one of the most honorable things one can do in their life,” Matos said.

The vigil comes as immigration enforcement tactics are under renewed scrutiny nationwide.

In Minneapolis Thursday morning, White House border czar Tom Homan defended federal operations while acknowledging changes may be needed.

“President [Donald] Trump and I, along with others in his administration, have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made,” he said.

Homan blamed federal immigration policy and Congress, saying agents are operating under laws lawmakers have failed to reform.

“If you want certain laws reformed, then take it up with Congress,” he said.

Back in the city, a makeshift memorial sits in front of the VA, as those here to honor Pretti say Homan’s response is not good enough.

“We need to protest. This has to stop,” nurse Maria Ramos-Victor said.

Several protests have happened across the city in the last several days, with another large gathering expected on Friday at Foley Square.