A tense operation in Minneapolis erupted into tragedy Saturday, culminating in a fatal shooting involving a Border Patrol agent and sparking immediate unrest. The incident began with a targeted effort to apprehend Jose Huerta Chuma, an individual with a concerning criminal history including domestic assault and driving offenses.
According to Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, the situation escalated rapidly when Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, confronted the agents, brandishing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun with two fully loaded magazines. Agents attempted to de-escalate, but Pretti violently resisted, creating a scenario Bovino described as a potential “massacre” of law enforcement.
A Border Patrol agent, fearing for his life and the safety of his colleagues, discharged his weapon. Despite immediate medical attention, Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene. He possessed no identifiable documentation at the time of the shooting.
The aftermath was immediate and volatile. Within minutes, approximately 200 individuals arrived, actively obstructing officers and initiating assaults. Bovino confirmed that crowd control measures were deployed to protect both the public and law enforcement personnel, emphasizing the evolving nature of the situation.
Bovino detailed the agent’s extensive training – eight years of service, specialized instruction in range safety, and less-lethal techniques – underscoring the difficult decision made in a split-second, life-or-death scenario. The agent acted defensively, responding to an imminent threat.
The response from Minneapolis officials drew sharp criticism from Bovino. He specifically addressed Mayor Jacob Frey’s initial statements, which condemned ICE’s actions without acknowledging the presence of a firearm or the danger faced by the agents. Frey had characterized the incident as a brutal assault by “masked agents.”
Bovino forcefully stated that obstructing or assaulting a law enforcement officer is a criminal act with consequences. He highlighted a disturbing national trend of escalating violence against DHS personnel, including shootings, threats to families, and over 100 attempts to ram vehicles carrying federal agents in the past year.
He expressed frustration with the lack of support from local authorities, noting that Mayor Frey and Police Chief O’Hara omitted crucial details about the suspect’s weapon, potentially fueling further unrest. Bovino stressed the critical need for collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement to address rising violence.
Bovino concluded with a powerful message about the dedication of CBP and ICE agents. He emphasized their commitment to protecting communities and ensuring a safe and secure future for generations to come, acknowledging the inherent risks they face in upholding the law.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day and the complex challenges of enforcing immigration laws in a climate of increasing tension and hostility.