ProPublica Reveals Identities of Federal Agents in Fatal Shooting of VA Nurse Alex Pretti
By J. David McSwane, ProPublica
The two federal immigration agents who fatally shot 37-year-old VA nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis this January have been identified as Border Patrol Agent Jesus "Jesse" Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection Officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, according to government records obtained by ProPublica.
The shooting on Jan. 24, which occurred just days after another fatal shooting by an ICE agent, ignited national protests and intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics. Initial statements from Department of Homeland Security officials, including Secretary Kristi Noem, labeled Pretti a "domestic terrorist" who had brandished a weapon—claims later contradicted by video evidence from multiple bystanders.
Frame-by-frame analysis by several news organizations showed Pretti was holding only a cell phone during the confrontation. He possessed a permit for the firearm found in its holster on his person and never drew it. The weapon was removed by one agent while Pretti was restrained before another agent opened fire.
"The policy of shielding officers' identities, particularly after a public shooting, is a stark departure from standard law enforcement protocols," ProPublica's editors stated, defending the decision to publish the names. The agency noted that CBP has refused to disclose the agents' identities publicly, even as the Department of Justice investigates.
Both agents were assigned to Operation Metro Surge, a Trump-era immigration enforcement push in the Minneapolis area. Their frequent use of face masks during operations and the federal government's resistance to releasing details have, according to the report, obstructed public accountability and hampered a state-level investigation.
/// Reader Reactions ///
Marcus Chen, 52, Policy Analyst, Washington D.C.: "This disclosure is a necessary step for accountability. When federal agents operate with this level of opacity, it erodes public trust in all law enforcement. The discrepancy between the official narrative and the video evidence is deeply concerning."
Elena Rodriguez, 41, Social Worker, Minneapolis: "My heart breaks for Alex's family and community. He was a nurse who served veterans. The immediate attempt to smear his character was shameful. We need a full, transparent investigation, not scapegoating and secrecy."
David K. Miller, 60, Retired Police Captain, Phoenix: "While transparency is crucial, publishing names during an active investigation is reckless and endangers these agents and their families. It undermines the process and fuels mob mentality."
Anya Sharma, 29, Legal Aid Attorney, New York: "This is a cover-up, plain and simple. Masked agents, a coordinated smear campaign against the victim, and stonewalling local investigators? This isn't law enforcement; it's a paramilitary operation against the public. Every official who parroted those lies should be fired."