The Union of American Physicians and Dentists condemns the fatal and illegal use of force by ICE agents that resulted in the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, RN, in Minneapolis. These acts of violence are a profound violation of constitutional and human rights and inflict immeasurable harm on individuals, families, and our communities. They create fear, mental trauma and distrust that fracture the ties that hold our society together.
We are troubled by reports that bystanders were denied the ability to render medical aid to those who had been shot. We are further disturbed by the federal effort to obscure the truth—firsthand witness accounts and available footage directly contradict official statements from authorities. This deliberate misinformation denies justice to the victims, gaslights those who bear witness, and destroys public trust when transparency and accountability are most needed.
Our oath as physicians to heal, to care, and above all, to do no harm guides every decision we make in service to our patients and our communities. This oath demands that we speak out against violence and inhumanity in all its forms. It also demands that we seek truth and speak it, no matter the cost. To that end, the Union of American Physicians and Dentists calls on all physicians and other health care providers to actively speak out and protect our constitutional and human rights rights that are being trampled upon by ICE and the current administration. In addition to lawful protest, we encourage state and federal legislative reforms to ensure rational immigration and citizenship policies and protocols.
We will not be silent. We will not stand down.
We stand in solidarity with the people who continue to speak the truth and demand justice. The fight for transparency continues.