Minnesota law enforcement authorities expressed significant frustration and concern as the FBI has refused to share any evidence or information related to its investigation into the death of Alex Pretti, who was killed by federal immigration authorities. This lack of cooperation follows similar refusals in other recent shootings involving immigration officials, including those of Renee Good and Julio Sosa-Celis, hindering state-level investigations. Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) have called for impartial, independent investigations, with the BCA vowing to pursue all legal avenues to obtain necessary evidence despite being “hampered by a lack of access to key information.” The incidents occurred amidst an increased immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis, leading to calls for transparency from both parties.
Read More
Following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by a federal officer on January 24th, federal agents responded to a crowd gathering near 27th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. Agents deployed tear gas and other less-lethal munitions against the assembled individuals. The use of force occurred in the aftermath of the shooting incident. This action was a direct response to the situation created after the shooting.
Read More
Government records have identified Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez as the agents involved in the shooting of Alex Pretti during a Minneapolis protest. The agents, assigned to Operation Metro Surge, have been placed on leave while investigations are conducted by the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was killed during an encounter with the agents, sparking widespread protests and calls for transparency. The incident has also raised concerns about the use of masked agents and the lack of readily available information, including body camera footage.
Read More
New court documents reveal that witnesses to the Alex Pretti shooting were immediately detained following the incident. One witness, identified as Javier, recounted being among dozens of individuals, referred to by agents as “USCs,” held in custody. Javier, who lives near the shooting location and arrived after hearing about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid, stated he witnessed the shooting and was subsequently detained. Despite being held for hours, given basic provisions, and not formally charged, Javier expressed feeling demoralized by the experience.
Read More
In a Sunday interview, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino controversially claimed his agents, not the deceased protestor Alex Pretti, were the victims of the fatal shooting. Pretti, who was legally carrying a firearm, was shot by agents after an altercation during which he was sprayed with a chemical irritant and wrestled to the ground. Bovino asserted that Pretti forfeited his Second Amendment rights through his actions, which contradicted video evidence. These assertions were echoed by other Trump cabinet members on Sunday news programs, with officials inaccurately claiming that firearms are not permitted at protests.
Read More
Video analysis suggests a federal immigration officer removed a gun from Alex Pretti’s waistband just moments before officers fatally shot him. The videos show an agent, identified by a gray jacket, retrieving the weapon from the scuffle. A DHS spokesperson claimed an agent fired in self-defense, but the videos do not show Pretti brandishing a weapon. Following the shooting, another officer asked where the gun was, and the agent responded that they had it.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker
Minneapolis Man Detained for Hours After Witnessing Shooting
New court documents reveal that witnesses to the Alex Pretti shooting were immediately detained following the incident. One witness, identified as Javier, recounted being among dozens of individuals, referred to by agents as “USCs,” held in custody. Javier, who lives near the shooting location and arrived after hearing about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid, stated he witnessed the shooting and was subsequently detained. Despite being held for hours, given basic provisions, and not formally charged, Javier expressed feeling demoralized by the experience.
Read More