Ex-Wife Describes Federal Agent as Gun Enthusiast in Minneapolis Fatal Shooting Case
One of the federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has been described by his former spouse as a long-time firearms enthusiast, according to records obtained by ProPublica. The revelation adds a new dimension to the controversial incident that has drawn national attention and scrutiny.
Agents Identified in January Shooting Incident
Jesus Ochoa, a 43-year-old Border Patrol agent, and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez have been named as the two federal officers who fatally shot Pretti on January 24 during a confrontation. The shooting occurred in Minneapolis as part of a broader immigration enforcement effort by federal authorities under the Trump administration.
Both Ochoa and Gutierrez hail from South Texas. Gutierrez, aged 35, joined CBP in 2014 and works in the agency's Office of Field Operations, where he participates in high-risk missions similar to those conducted by police special units.
Background of Agent Jesus Ochoa
Ochoa joined the US Customs and Border Protection's Border Patrol in 2018 after earning a criminal justice degree from the University of Texas-Pan American, according to his ex-wife Angelica Ochoa. She revealed to ProPublica that the couple divorced in 2021.
Angelica Ochoa provided significant insight into her former husband's personal interests, stating that by the time they separated, Ochoa had developed a deep fascination with firearms. She disclosed that he owned approximately 25 rifles, pistols, and shotguns, demonstrating what she described as a genuine passion for guns.
Details of the Alex Pretti Shooting
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old United States citizen and intensive care nurse, was killed after an encounter with federal agents during an immigration sweep in Minneapolis. The incident has sparked widespread debate about law enforcement protocols and immigration enforcement tactics.
Bystander videos from the scene reveal disturbing details: Pretti was shot multiple times after being wrestled and pinned down by multiple agents. Notably, Pretti possessed a licensed firearm but did not brandish his weapon in any manner during the encounter. Witness accounts indicate he was holding his phone in one hand and attempting to assist a woman before federal agents subdued him.
Official Response and Investigation
The Department of Homeland Security has defended the actions of the two officers, claiming they fired their weapons following established protocol and that Pretti presented a potential threat. However, body-worn camera footage from the incident has not yet been released to the public, fueling speculation and demands for transparency.
Both agents involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation. US President Donald Trump addressed the incident, calling it unfortunate and confirming that the FBI is conducting a thorough investigation into every aspect of the case.
Broader Context of Minneapolis Immigration Enforcement
The shooting of Alex Pretti occurred within a larger pattern of immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis. Earlier in January, President Trump had labeled 37-year-old Renee Good a "domestic terrorist" after she was shot by an ICE agent in the same city, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding federal immigration operations in the area.
This incident raises important questions about the intersection of immigration enforcement, use of force protocols, and public safety in American communities. As investigations continue, the contrasting narratives between official accounts and witness testimonies create a complex picture that demands careful examination.
