Minneapolis, Minnesota — The two federal immigration agents involved in the shooting of protester Alex Pretti have been identified as Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez, both seasoned officers with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The incident occurred on January 24, when officers confronted Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, during a protest.
Ochoa, 43, and Gutierrez, 35, were part of “Operation Metro Surge,” a program launched to bolster enforcement actions in Minnesota under the previous administration’s immigration policies. Following the shooting, both agents were placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
Authorities have refrained from publicly confirming the officers’ identities, citing concerns for their safety. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security emphasized the potential risks of revealing names, stating that it endangers both the officers and their families. “Publicizing their identities puts their lives and the lives of their families at serious risk,” the representative said.
Gutierrez, who has been with CBP since 2014, serves in a special response team handling high-stakes operations akin to SWAT duties. Ochoa, who joined the agency in 2018, reportedly developed a passion for law enforcement from an early age. His ex-wife revealed that he amassed a collection of firearms, indicating a personal investment in the role he assumed.
Calls for accountability have emerged from various quarters, including Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who criticized the agents’ anonymity. “Law enforcement officers should not operate in the shadows. They must adhere to engagement rules that protect citizens and ensure their safety,” Raskin commented.
The shooting of Pretti has sparked significant public outrage, drawing attention to the actions of federal agents and their handling of protests. Demonstrations erupted across Minneapolis and other cities, mirroring the unrest seen in previous incidents involving law enforcement fatalities.
The Justice Department has since initiated an investigation into Pretti’s death, with oversight from the FBI. This comes amid scrutiny of law enforcement protocols during protests, particularly in light of the fatal shooting of another civilian, mother-of-three Renee Good, just weeks earlier.
According to preliminary reports from the investigation, the confrontation began when federal agents attempted to disperse a gathering of protesters. Tensions escalated as Ochoa reportedly deployed pepper spray against demonstrators, leading to a physical struggle with Pretti. During the altercation, officers claimed he displayed a weapon, prompting lethal shots to be fired.
Pretti was quickly transported to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries later that same day. The timeline of events leading to the shooting has become a focal point of controversy, as conflicting accounts circulate regarding the necessity and justification of the agents’ response.
As public pressure mounts for transparency and judicial accountability, this incident serves as yet another chapter in the contentious debate over immigration enforcement methods and community relations in the United States. The investigation continues, with the community and lawmakers alike demanding answers.