In a pivotal development in the controversial Alex Pretti shooting, federal records have now named the two Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents involved, intensifying nationwide scrutiny and protests over federal immigration enforcement tactics. The revelation of their identities comes amid growing pressure for accountability and transparency.
CBP agents Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez have been identified as the officers who fatally shot Minneapolis protester and ICU nurse Alex Pretti, triggering strong reactions from lawmakers, activists, and legal experts. This incident has provoked calls for independent investigations and renewed debate over federal law enforcement agencies’ role in civil society.
What Happened to Alex Pretti, and Who Were the Agents Involved
On January 24, 2026, 37-year-old intensive-care nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal immigration agents during a Minneapolis protest connected to the larger nationwide Operation Metro Surge, an immigration enforcement crackdown that has deployed heavily armed and masked officers in urban areas.
Government documents reviewed by investigative reporters now confirm that Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and CBP officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, were the agents who fired their weapons during the confrontation that left Pretti dead. Both officers were part of the CBP deployment in Minneapolis and were placed on administrative leave after the incident.
Reports and bystander videos contradict early governmental claims about the altercation, showing Pretti holding a cellphone and acting without aggression before he was forced to the ground and shot at least ten times in seconds. These visuals have become central evidence in calls for accountability and independent scrutiny.
Why This Incident Has Sparked National Outrage
The Alex Pretti shooting has triggered widespread protest activity across Minneapolis and other cities, not only because of the tragic loss of life, but also due to broader concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in federal enforcement operations. Many Americans — including lawmakers from both political parties — have criticized the delayed release of officers’ names and details surrounding the incident.
A key point of contention is the practice of agents operating masked and without clear identification, which is nearly unprecedented in U.S. law enforcement and has raised serious questions about public oversight and civil liberties. Critics argue that such tactics shield officers from public accountability.
Furthermore, eyewitness accounts have directly challenged official narratives. Witnesses present at the scene reported Pretti had his hands raised and was attempting to assist another civilian when federal agents pepper-sprayed him, wrestled him to the ground, and thereafter opened fire — despite videos showing he was unarmed. These discrepancies have fueled public distrust and calls for justice.
Federal Investigation and Legal Implications
In response to the incident and mounting public pressure, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has opened a formal investigation into the shooting, a step that puts federal practices under extraordinary legal scrutiny. The FBI is participating, but authorities caution that determining whether criminal charges will follow will take time and hinge on evidence evaluation.
Local Minnesota officials have also vowed independent inquiries, further adding to the complexity and intensity of legal proceedings surrounding the case. Given the heightened controversy over federal immigration enforcement, this investigation may become a defining moment in how federal law enforcement uses force during domestic operations.
Legal experts note that if evidence ultimately shows the use of excessive force, the agents — and the agencies they represent — could face civil rights litigation, official sanctions, or departmental reforms. The outcome of these reviews will have a lasting impact on federal policing and public trust.
Political Fallout and Calls for Reform
The political ramifications of this case extend well beyond Minneapolis. Lawmakers across the country, including both Democrats and Republicans, have condemned the lack of transparency and urged congressional hearings and independent investigations. Public officials argue that clear guidelines and accountability measures are needed before federal immigration agencies engage in domestic policing duties.
Activists and civil rights groups have also turned up the pressure on the Department of Homeland Security, demanding systemic reforms. Many observers see this incident as a flashpoint in ongoing national debates over immigration policy, federal law enforcement authority, and civil liberties in the United States.
What Comes Next: Investigations and Public Response
The DOJ investigation is expected to take months, perhaps longer, as federal authorities sift through video evidence, eyewitness testimony, and official reports. Community leaders and Pretti’s family continue to press for accountability and a full release of all available information.
Meanwhile, activists and public interest groups are mobilizing demonstrations and digital campaigns to keep attention focused on the case, aiming to influence legal outcomes and policy reforms. The growing national conversation signals that the consequences of this shooting may shape federal law enforcement accountability standards for years to come.
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