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ProPublica has identified the two CBP agents who fired on Alex Pretti, who was killed during a protest in Minneapolis. Records reveal the agents as Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez, who were assigned to Operation Metro Surge. This operation deployed masked agents throughout the city, which has been criticized as it prevents public accountability. The shooting and the subsequent lack of transparency have prompted calls for an independent investigation from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
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.
Bovino Is Said to Have Mocked Prosecutor’s Jewish Faith on Call With Lawyers”
So, the situation with Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol field leader, is really something. It seems he made some pretty shocking comments during a phone call with lawyers, remarks that have really ignited a firestorm of controversy. The core of the issue centers around accusations that he mocked the religious faith of Daniel N. Rosen, the U.S. attorney in Minnesota. Rosen, as we know, is an Orthodox Jew and observes Shabbat.
Apparently, Bovino’s comments were not only insensitive, but deeply disrespectful. He’s accused of using phrases like “chosen people” in a mocking tone, which, let’s be honest, carries a significant historical weight, particularly when leveled at someone of Jewish faith.… Continue reading
The Justice Department has initiated a federal civil rights investigation into the shooting death of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis. The FBI will be leading the federal probe, with support from Homeland Security Investigations. Multiple videos have emerged, including those of the shooting and a prior altercation, contradicting initial statements about the events. President Donald Trump has also weighed in, referencing the released video of a prior encounter.
The family of Alex Pretti, who was shot while filming Border Patrol officers, has retained Steve Schleicher, a former federal prosecutor known for his work in the Derek Chauvin trial, to represent them. Schleicher is offering his services pro bono to the Pretti family. In addition, the family has also hired Anthony Cotton. The lawyers’ primary goal is to protect the family’s interests following the tragic incident. Pretti’s death is a recent incident following the shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good by an ICE officer.
The death of Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti at the hands of Border Patrol agents raises serious questions about the agents’ actions and de-escalation tactics. Videos show that Pretti, who had a carry permit, never drew his gun before being tackled, contradicting official statements that he was brandishing it. Instead of de-escalating the situation, agents used pepper spray and excessive force on Pretti, who was attempting to help a woman. Following the use of force, Pretti was shot multiple times even after being restrained, prompting an internal investigation that may not fully address the critical questions of how a non-threatening situation escalated to a fatal shooting.
Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers, a press conference was held by Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, revealing that the agents involved remained on active duty. This directly contradicted the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) formal policy, which mandates administrative leave for officers involved in deadly force incidents. Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, subsequently expressed significant concern and disbelief regarding this decision. This departure from standard protocol raises questions about the CBP’s adherence to its own use-of-force guidelines.
Following a second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis, the Trump administration is restructuring its immigration enforcement, replacing Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino with Tom Homan and scaling back federal presence. Bovino, criticized for his rhetoric and actions, will return to his previous role, and is being removed after a series of controversial comments regarding the shooting deaths. Furthermore, this shift in strategy comes after two fatalities involving federal agents and growing criticism from Democrats and civil liberties activists, leading to calls for investigations and a potential reduction of federal agents in the city. The White House has taken a more conciliatory tone, with the President holding calls with state and local leaders, indicating a move toward de-escalation of the ongoing situation.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Iraq Vet: ICE’s Mission is to Kill, Compared to Combat Experience
In recent weeks, ICE and Border Patrol operations in Minneapolis have resulted in the deaths of two individuals, prompting serious questions about their mission and accountability. The author, a combat veteran, draws parallels between military rules of engagement and the actions of law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of restraint and transparency. Minnesota is calling for a full legal investigation into these killings, questioning the agencies’ actions and demanding adherence to constitutional principles. The article argues that operating without accountability, transparency, and restraint is unacceptable, especially given the values that Minnesota upholds.
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