The streets of Minneapolis became the center of national attention after a deadly confrontation involving federal agents and Alex Pretti, 37.
The tragic incident, which left Pretti fatally shot, has now prompted the Department of Justice (DOJ) to open a formal investigation.
The two agents involved have finally been identified.
Border Patrol Agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection Officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, were responsible for firing ten shots at Pretti on January 24, according to reporting by ProPublica.
Both were stationed in Minneapolis as part of Operation Metro Surge, the federal effort to intensify immigration enforcement in the city.
Agents’ Identities and Backgrounds
While their names are now public, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has declined to officially confirm them, citing officer safety concerns.
A DHS spokesperson told The Daily Mail that “we will never confirm or deny attempts to dox our law enforcement officers,” warning that releasing their identities could endanger them and their families.
Ochoa, often called Jesse, joined CBP in 2018, while Gutierrez has been with Border Patrol since 2014.
Both hail from South Texas. Ochoa’s ex-wife, Angelica, revealed he had long dreamed of working for Border Patrol and had developed a strong interest in firearms, reportedly owning around 25 guns at the time of their divorce in 2021.
The Shooting Incident
According to the new government report, the shooting occurred around 9 a.m. on a Saturday, when federal agents encountered a group of protesters on the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue.
The report claims the agents were met with shouting and whistles, with two women refusing to clear the roadway.
During the confrontation, Pretti, an ICU nurse, was filming immigration operations when CBP personnel attempted to arrest him.
“Pretti resisted CBP personnel’s efforts, and a struggle ensued,” the report states.
One agent reportedly yelled multiple times, “He’s got a gun!” before Ochoa discharged a Glock 19 and Gutierrez fired a Glock 47, striking Pretti.
Footage circulating online appears to show Pretti had been disarmed moments before being shot in the back.
Afterward, CBP agents attempted first aid with chest seals before EMS arrived, but Pretti was pronounced dead at 9:32 a.m. at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Department of Justice Steps In
The DOJ’s investigation now pits federal prosecutors against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who defended her agents by labeling Pretti a terrorist.
The DOJ probe will examine whether Pretti’s civil rights were violated, marking a significant departure from the Trump administration’s narrow review focused solely on use-of-force protocols.
CBP sources say both Ochoa and Gutierrez were placed on administrative leave and offered mental health support, as standard procedure.
They will not return to field operations immediately and are expected to serve in desk roles upon their return.
Controversy Over Public Statements
Noem’s initial comments about Pretti, including calling him an “assassin,” drew internal scrutiny.
Reports indicate President Trump reprimanded her during a late-night Oval Office meeting, ordering a shift in focus from interior enforcement in Minnesota to securing the Southern Border.
Trump also tasked White House Border Czar Tom Homan with overseeing the Minnesota crackdown.
Despite public criticism and a recent poll showing Noem’s approval rating at just 33 percent, she is expected to retain her position.
The case continues to unfold as the DOJ investigation examines both the agents’ actions and potential civil rights violations.
What Comes Next
The DOJ probe highlights tensions between federal law enforcement accountability and political defense of agents.
With new reports challenging claims that Pretti brandished a weapon, and social media footage raising questions about the sequence of events, all eyes are on Minneapolis as investigators piece together the details of this deadly encounter.
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