The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched an internal investigation into allegations that senior border patrol official Gregory Bovino made disparaging remarks about the Jewish faith of Minnesota's top federal prosecutor, Daniel Rosen. The New York Times reported that Bovino allegedly mocked Rosen's observance of Shabbat and used the phrase 'chosen people' in a derisive tone during a January 12 phone call with state prosecutors.
Bovino, who was the public face of the controversial 'Operation Metro Surge' immigration crackdown in Minnesota, had requested a meeting with Rosen to push for a stronger response against those impeding federal agents. The operation came under scrutiny after two US citizens were fatally shot by federal agents within two weeks. Bovino was subsequently removed from his role, and President Donald Trump dispatched 'border czar' Tom Homan to take control, who announced a drawdown of the roughly 3,000 federal agents deployed.
John Breckenridge, a special investigator with Customs and Border Protection, has opened an 'official inquiry into the allegation' of unprofessional comments. A DHS spokesperson stated that the inquiry is standard procedure and does not indicate any confirmation of wrongdoing. Separately, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced a criminal investigation into potential misconduct by federal officers, including Bovino, during the operation. The DHS responded that states cannot prosecute federal officers acting in the course of their duties.
