BREAKING: Federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti have been identified as Border Patrol Agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection Officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35. This urgent development comes as the Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced an investigation into the incident that took place on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis.
Details are emerging rapidly as the investigation unfolds. Pretti, 37, was shot dead after filming deportation operations in the area. Agents reportedly discharged a total of ten shots, leading to immediate questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The DOJ’s involvement marks a significant shift from a previous, narrower review by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Witnesses report that the confrontation escalated during a protest, where agents faced a chaotic scene with demonstrators blocking streets at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. According to a new report released by the DOJ, agents were attempting to arrest Pretti when a struggle ensued. Witnesses claim that just before the shooting, one agent yelled, “He’s got a gun!” despite reports indicating Pretti had not brandished a weapon.
“The internal scrutiny of this case is intense, and we are committed to ensuring justice,” stated an official source from the DOJ.
Following the shooting, both agents have been placed on administrative leave with no field duties, pending the outcome of the investigation. This includes mental health support as standard procedure for officers involved in such critical incidents. The agents will be given desk roles upon their return, which reflects the seriousness of the situation.
The shooting occurred around 9:00 AM, and emergency services arrived just three minutes later, but tragically, Pretti was pronounced dead at 9:32 AM. Footage circulating on social media suggests that a Border Patrol agent disarmed Pretti moments before the shooting, raising further questions about the justification for the use of lethal force.
Amid rising tensions, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has faced backlash for her initial remarks labeling Pretti a “terrorist.” In response to the scrutiny, President Donald Trump reportedly reprimanded Noem during a late-night meeting, urging her to shift her focus from immigration enforcement in Minneapolis to securing the Southern Border.
The investigation by the DOJ is particularly significant given the broader implications for law enforcement practices. Officials are examining whether Pretti’s civil rights were violated during the encounter, a critical aspect that will influence public trust in federal agencies.
This story is developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. The community and advocates are calling for accountability and transparency in the investigation, emphasizing the need for justice in cases of police-involved shootings.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as it unfolds.
