On January 24, a shooting involving federal immigration agents and a Minneapolis protester, Alex Pretti, resulted in the protester's death. Recently disclosed government records have identified the agents as Border Patrol Agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection Officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35. Both officers are Hispanic, a detail that was not widely reported in the early coverage of the incident, which took place near West 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue.
Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Department of Veterans Affairs, reportedly resisted federal custody leading to the fatal confrontation. The two agents discharged their firearms during the encounter, and there is speculation from some reports that an accidental discharge from Pretti’s legally owned handgun may have contributed to the chaotic scene. However, interpretations of the available video footage are still being debated.
The Department of Justice, led by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, has initiated a civil rights investigation into the incident. The investigation is conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the FBI. Concurrently, Minnesota authorities, including Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, are considering whether criminal charges are appropriate.
Ochoa and Gutierrez were part of Operation Metro Surge, a federal enforcement initiative that began in December 2025, deploying masked, armed agents throughout Minneapolis. Gutierrez is a member of the CBP's special response team, which operates similarly to police SWAT units. Both officers have a background in federal law enforcement with experience in urban settings, addressing criminal activities related to immigration violations.
The release of their names has been met with criticism from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), citing concerns for the safety of the officers and their families. The DHS has noted a significant increase in threats and attacks on federal personnel in recent years. On the other hand, ProPublica has defended the disclosure, arguing that transparency is crucial, especially in incidents involving lethal force.
Following the shooting, protests erupted in Minneapolis opposing federal immigration operations. President Trump hinted at possibly scaling back federal activity in response to the unrest, while border czar Tom Homan emphasized that any reduction would need local cooperation.
The case has sparked discussions on operational secrecy, officer safety, and the public's right to oversight. Lawmakers from both parties have called for transparent investigations, with Utah Senator John Curtis (R) stressing the importance of independent review and accountability for those involved.
The incident has highlighted the challenges federal enforcement faces in metropolitan areas, including the balance between officer safety, public scrutiny, and individual rights during high-risk interventions. Operations such as Metro Surge place officers in situations that demand quick decisions, and limited information can exacerbate public confusion and mistrust.
As the DOJ civil rights investigation progresses, the case emphasizes the complex tensions between undercover operations, the secrecy of officer identities, and the public demand for transparency. The unfolding events in Minneapolis reflect the difficult choices facing federal agencies in enforcing immigration laws and maintaining the safety of both officers and communities. This ongoing national conversation about operational security and accountability continues to develop.
