“`html
border Patrol Agents Identified in Fatal Shooting of Minnesota Nurse
Table of Contents
MINNEAPOLIS, January 26, 2024 – The Hennepin County medical examiner has officially ruled the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a virginia-based ICU nurse, a homicide after being shot by two Border Patrol agents. The Justice department has launched a civil rights inquiry into the incident.
The agents involved have been identified as Jesus ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez.Details of Ochoa and Gutierrez are scarce, as agents are reportedly instructed to minimize their online presence. According to reporting, Jesus Ochoa, 43, joined the agency in 2018 and harbored a long-held aspiration to become a Border Patrol agent. His ex-wife described him as a “gun enthusiast” with a substantial collection of firearms – approximately 25 rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, has been with the agency as 2014. Both agents predate the recent surge in funding and recruitment within Homeland security, and their experience differs from the agency’s more recent focus on operations within American cities.
Concerns Over Agent Immunity
The case has also brought renewed attention to the issue of qualified immunity for law enforcement officers. Last month, during a White House press briefing, a spokesperson suggested that ICE agents may have “absolute immunity.” This claim raises concerns about the potential for shielding agents from accountability, even in cases of alleged wrongdoing.
One former Homeland Security lawyer noted that a previous management had dismantled internal accountability mechanisms within the department, including the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Office. This office previously played a crucial role in investigating allegations of misconduct and referring potential criminal cases to the Justice Department. The lawyer stated, “They don’t care about civil rights,” suggesting a diminished emphasis on oversight and accountability.
Escalation and Use of Force
Reporting indicates the scene leading to Pretti’s death rapidly escalated after a Border Patrol officer deployed pepper spray, causing disorientation. Multiple officers then reportedly converged on Pretti. The use of “less lethal” weapons, such as pepper balls and rubber bullets, has come under scrutiny in recent years, with reports of violations of agency rules and instances
