CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting: Jesus Ochoa, Raymundo Gutierrez
The recent shooting of Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti has drawn national attention, particularly concerning the federal agents involved. Reports have identified Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer Raymundo Gutierrez as the shooters. Their roles in the incident have raised significant concerns about transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.
Background on the Incident
On January 24, 2023, Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, was shot during a protest in Minneapolis. The encounter occurred amid ongoing immigration enforcement operations known as Operation Metro Surge. This operation had been initiated in December 2022, deploying armed agents across the city.
According to federal records reviewed by ProPublica, Ochoa, aged 43, and Gutierrez, aged 35, were the officers involved in the shooting. The agents allegedly fired their weapons after Pretti resisted arrest, leading to a chaotic confrontation.
Profile of the Agents
- Jesus Ochoa: Joined CBP in 2018 and has a background in criminal justice.
- Raymundo Gutierrez: A CBP officer since 2014, he is part of a special response team handling high-risk operations.
Both agents are from South Texas and were placed on administrative leave following the incident. The CBP has maintained a degree of secrecy regarding the details of the event, disclosing minimal information.
Government Response
In light of the shooting, lawmakers from both parties have advocated for an independent investigation. notables include Republican Senator John Curtis, who emphasized the need for transparency. The Justice Department has since announced that its Civil Rights Division is examining the shooting, though details remain sparse.
State officials have expressed frustration, claiming they have been obstructed from conducting their own investigations. A spokesperson for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz indicated that the state has received no new information from federal agencies.
Public Reaction and Protests
The shooting has ignited widespread protests in Minneapolis and beyond, highlighting the growing unrest surrounding immigration enforcement. Pretti’s death parallels the earlier killing of another protester, Renee Good, further intensifying public scrutiny of federal operations.
Video footage from the incident shows the moments leading up to the shooting, including Pretti documenting the federal officers. The chaotic scene has raised questions about the responses employed by the agents, including the use of pepper spray.
Accountability in Law Enforcement
The controversy surrounding the agents’ actions has led to calls for improved transparency in federal law enforcement. Critics argue that anonymity among ICE and CBP agents contributes to a culture of fear and lack of accountability. Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin stressed the importance of identifiable law enforcement personnel.
As investigations unfold, it remains critical for the public to push for clarity and accountability in incidents involving federal law enforcement. The tragic death of Alex Pretti highlights the urgent need for reform in immigration enforcement practices across the nation.
