The identities of the two Border Patrol agents who opened fire on Alex Pretti during a controversial incident on the streets of Minneapolis have now been publicly disclosed. According to a report from ProPublica, the agents involved are Border Patrol Agent Jesus Ochoa, aged 43, and Customs and Border Protection Officer Raymundo Gutierrez, aged 35.
Details of the Minneapolis Shooting Incident
On January 24, Ochoa and Gutierrez fired a total of ten shots at Pretti, a 37-year-old man who was reportedly filming deportation operations in the city just a week earlier, on January 17. Pretti was fatally wounded in the encounter, which has sparked significant public and legal scrutiny.
Operation Metro Surge and Agent Assignments
Both agents were assigned to Minneapolis as part of Operation Metro Surge, an initiative launched by the administration to intensify efforts against illegal migrants within the city. Despite their roles in this high-profile case, their employers at Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had previously declined to reveal the names of the agents involved in the shooting.
Federal Investigations and Political Tensions
The Department of Justice announced on Friday that it is investigating the shooting, marking a significant shift from the initial approach under the Trump administration. Previously, officials had indicated that the review would be limited to a narrow Department of Homeland Security (DHS) examination focused solely on the agents' use of force.
Clash Between Justice Department and Homeland Security
This new federal probe has created a notable conflict between Attorney General Pam Bondi's legal team and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Secretary Noem has publicly defended her agents, controversially labelling Pretti as a terrorist, while Department of Justice investigators are scrutinising whether Pretti's civil rights were violated during the incident.
The reversal in investigative scope highlights the escalating tensions and broader implications of the case, as it now encompasses potential civil rights issues rather than being confined to procedural use-of-force policies.
Broader Context and Official Statements
In response to the incident, The Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and Customs and Border Protection for official comments, though responses are still pending. Meanwhile, the case underscores the complex dynamics of law enforcement operations in urban settings.
As one official noted, 'There are thousands, unfortunately, of law enforcement events every year where somebody is shot,' reflecting the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding police and border security actions across the United States.
This remains a developing story, with further updates expected as the federal investigations progress and more details emerge about the circumstances surrounding Alex Pretti's death and the actions of the identified agents.
