ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) has released its statement regarding the fatal Minneapolis shooting on Saturday, and the claims made by U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino.
DOC extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by federal agents Saturday morning in Minneapolis. It said “the loss of life is tragic, and Minnesotans deserve transparency, accountability, and facts.”
DOC then shifted its attention to the press conference held by Bovino Saturday afternoon. According to DOC, Bovino asserted the operation was targeting an individual named Jose Huerta-Chuma, characterizing him as having a “significant criminal history.”
Records were reportedly reviewed by DOC to determine whether Huerta-Chuma had any connection to Minnesota state prison custody.
The following is said to have been based on DOC records and Minnesota court data:
* The individual identified by federal officials has never been in Minnesota DOC custody.
* DOC and court records show no felony commitments associated with this
* Public Minnesota court records reflect only misdemeanor-level traffic offenses from more than a decade ago.
* The individual is not currently under DOC supervision.
DOC then said its records indicated that an individual with that name was previously held in federal immigration custody in a local Minnesota jail in 2018, notably during President Donald Trump’s first term in office. Decisions regarding release from federal custody at that time, DOC notes, would have been made by federal authorities.
However, DOC said it has no information explaining why Huerta-Chuma was released.
DOC also pointed out U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s presser on Saturday, and said Noem claimed the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) investigators would not be allowed to investigate the shooting because the state “refuses to cooperate with ICE.”
DOC said this statement is false, and that the DOC does cooperate with ICE to “facilitate custody transfers for individuals subject to federal detainers.”
It then goes on to say that Acting Executive Associate Director of ICE Marcos Charles confirmed this on Thursday, and by Vice President J.D. Vance the same day.
The DOC labeled the “inaccurate assertions” as “untrue, reckless, and contrary to longstanding practice.”
In response to the “misinformation” by DHS, Minnesota DOC said it launched a dedicated web page to provide “accurate, verified information regarding DOC’s cooperation with ICE.” DOC said this page serves as a central hub for information, including “facts, press releases and videos.”
This page can be found here. Lastly, DOC said it will continue to review facts carefully, correct the record when necessary and share “accurate, verifiable information” with the media and public.
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