URGENT UPDATE: Federal agents who fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have been identified as Border Patrol Agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection Officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has just announced a formal investigation into the incident, which took place on January 24, 2026.
This shocking event has raised serious questions about law enforcement practices in the area, particularly as the agents were involved in Operation Metro Surge, aimed at curbing illegal immigration. Pretti, 37, was shot dead while filming deportation operations, a situation that escalated rapidly as agents faced protests from bystanders.
New reports indicate that Ochoa and Gutierrez discharged a total of ten rounds at Pretti after he allegedly resisted arrest. Initial claims that Pretti brandished a weapon during the confrontation have been contradicted by a recent government report, which stated there was no evidence he had drawn a gun when agents shouted “gun” during the arrest. Disturbing footage circulating on social media appears to show an agent disarming Pretti just moments before the fatal shots were fired.
According to the timeline of events, the confrontation began around 9 AM when agents confronted a group of protesters blocking traffic at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. After repeated verbal requests for the protesters to disperse, tensions escalated. Agents reported that two women confronted them while blowing whistles, leading to the deployment of pepper spray.
The DOJ’s investigation marks a significant shift in the response to this incident, contrasting sharply with the previous administration’s handling of similar cases. Attorney General Pam Bondi is now leading the inquiry, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of immigration enforcement under the current administration.
As the investigation unfolds, Ochoa and Gutierrez have been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure following such incidents. They will not return to field duties and will be assigned desk roles upon their return. Both agents have received mental health support in the aftermath of the shooting.
The fallout from this incident has already begun to ripple through the political landscape. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has faced scrutiny for her remarks about Pretti, which included labeling him a terrorist. Reports indicate that President Donald Trump has intervened, asking Noem to shift focus from internal immigration enforcement to securing the Southern Border.
Pretti’s death, which occurred at Hennepin County Medical Center at 9:32 AM after EMS arrived three minutes post-shooting, has ignited outrage among various communities. People are calling for accountability and transparency from law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the need for reform.
This is a developing story, and more updates are expected as the DOJ continues its investigation. The implications of this incident could lead to significant changes in immigration policy and law enforcement practices across the nation.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical situation.
