Agents Pursue Immigrant, Kill Alex Pretti: His Story Unveiled
In a tragic incident that unfolded on January 24, 2023, immigrant Jose Huerta Chuma found himself at the center of a fatal shooting involving Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The events that transpired have left Huerta Chuma grappling with guilt and fear, questioning his role in a violent encounter between law enforcement and a civilian.
Background of Jose Huerta Chuma
Jose Huerta Chuma immigrated to the United States from Ecuador over twenty years ago. At 41, he has spent much of his life in the U.S., where he works as a rideshare driver and is raising three children.
- Two of his children, aged 11 and 15, reside with him.
- A third child, aged 3, lives with the mother.
- Another child is still in Ecuador.
Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti
On the morning of January 24, Huerta Chuma was en route to pick up a delivery order. At approximately 8:18 a.m., while driving down Nicollet Avenue, he noticed federal agents in a red, unmarked vehicle targeting him.
After parking and seeking refuge in a local business for about four hours, Huerta Chuma witnessed the shooting of Pretti. He reported seeing agents tackle Pretti and subsequently heard multiple shots fired. Huerta Chuma was left feeling powerless and devastated, stating, “It felt horrible. To be watching and not being able to do anything.”
Controversial Aftermath
The aftermath of Pretti’s shooting sparked significant controversy. Initial statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed Pretti posed an imminent threat, alleging he approached agents with a weapon. However, evidence, including video footage, contradicted these claims, revealing that agents had removed Pretti’s firearm just before they opened fire.
Huerta Chuma expressed his deep concern over the portrayal of Pretti, whom he described as a good person. He stated, “I do feel guilty, I do feel bad. I saw stories about the man.”
Following the incident, DHS labeled Huerta Chuma a “violent criminal illegal alien,” citing past offenses that included a disorderly conduct misdemeanor linked to a domestic dispute. However, he has no felony convictions in Minnesota.
Current Situation
Currently, Huerta Chuma is in hiding due to fear of arrest. His immigration case remained unresolved, with records indicating it had been administratively closed in May 2022. Without a formal deportation order, Huerta Chuma applied for a “U visa,” which protects immigrants who assist law enforcement during investigations.
Since the shooting, he has stopped working, leading to severe stress on both his mental and physical well-being. He stated, “I’m very devastated, spiritually. Why did they kill the man? He didn’t do anything.”
Conclusion
The tragic encounter that led to Alex Pretti’s death raises pressing questions about law enforcement practices and the implications for those who witness such violence. Jose Huerta Chuma remains haunted by the events and their aftermath, highlighting the profound human costs of this incident.
