Jose Huerta Chuma is a man burdened with pain and fear. After witnessing the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, he can’t help but blame himself. Could he have changed the course of events?
Originally from Ecuador, Huerta Chuma has been in the U.S. for over twenty years. He describes his horror as he watched Pretti’s encounter with federal agents unfold from a safe space inside a local business. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) labels him a criminal living illegally in the U.S., but he feels little like a criminal.
In a heartfelt phone interview, Huerta Chuma shared his thoughts. “I feel guilty,” he admitted, tears in his voice. “I learned about Pretti, and he was a good person.”
His record includes some traffic violations and a past misdemeanor tied to a domestic dispute, which has since been expunged. The Minnesota Department of Corrections confirmed he has no felony convictions. “I’m not a criminal,” he insisted. “I was just working that day.”
On the morning of January 24, Huerta Chuma was en route to a delivery job when he noticed federal agents trail him. With paperwork indicating a history of traffic infractions, he didn’t expect to end up in the middle of such chaos. When he parked and sought refuge in the business he found himself in a dire situation.
From his hiding place, he watched Pretti arrive and film the incident. He noted agents tackling Pretti and heard the sound of gunfire. His descriptions are chilling: “It felt horrible. To be watching and not being able to do anything.”
Initial statements from DHS claimed Pretti threatened federal agents. Yet, eyewitness accounts and video evidence contradicted those claims. A report showed that agents fired shots mere moments after disarming Pretti. Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino has since faced backlash for how he handled the situation, branding Huerta Chuma as a “violent criminal.”
In the aftermath, Huerta Chuma has been in hiding, fearing for his safety and the wellbeing of his three American-born children. “I haven’t worked since, and my health is suffering,” he shared, explaining he struggles with sleep and food.
Despite the fear of arrest, Huerta Chuma’s foremost concern lies with Pretti’s death. “Why did they kill the man? He didn’t do anything,” he said, echoing a sentiment of disbelief shared by many in the community.
In a time when public scrutiny on police actions intensifies, Huerta Chuma’s experience brings to light the complexities of immigration, security, and personal trauma.
This story isn’t just about one man’s tragedy. It taps into deeper issues affecting thousands, including the ongoing debate over immigration laws, police conduct, and the emotional toll on families. Current statistics show that instances of police-related shootings have risen significantly in recent years, provoking discussions about accountability and justice.
As the conversation continues, Huerta Chuma remains a poignant reminder that behind every statistic is a story, a life forever changed.
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Immigration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Minnesota, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Minneapolis
