José Huerta Chuma, a 41-year-old immigrant from Ecuador, describes the traumatic experience of witnessing a shooting involving Border Patrol agents and the aftermath of the event. On January 24, while on his way to make a delivery in Minneapolis, he became involved in a situation where the agents were pursuing him, ultimately leading to the incident where local resident Alex Preti was shot.
Huerta Chuma, who has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years and has no felony convictions, felt a deep sense of guilt for not being able to prevent the tragedy. He recounted hiding in a local business during the chaotic scene, where he saw agents tackle and disarm Preti before the shooting occurred. Initial statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputed accounts from witnesses and available video evidence, claiming Preti posed a threat, which has been challenged by reports showing otherwise.
The DHS has labeled Huerta Chuma a “violent criminal illegal alien,” seeking public assistance to locate him, further complicating his situation. After being unable to work due to the incident, he worries about his safety and the well-being of his three U.S.-born children. Amidst the turmoil, he applied for a U visa, designed to protect those who assist law enforcement as victims or witnesses. Huerta Chuma expresses devastation over Preti’s death, insisting he was innocent and expressing sorrow over the events he witnessed.
Source link
