A senior U.S. Border Patrol commander has been accused of making disparaging remarks about a federal prosecutor's Jewish faith during a recent telephone conversation, according to a new investigative report.
Allegations of Inappropriate Remarks During Immigration Discussion
The New York Times reports that Commander Gregory Bovino, who has helped lead the Trump administration's high-profile immigration enforcement operations, mocked the faith of Daniel N. Rosen during a January 12 phone call. Rosen serves as the U.S. attorney for Minnesota and identifies as an Orthodox Jew.
According to multiple sources familiar with the conversation, Bovino initiated the call to pressure Rosen's office to pursue more criminal charges against individuals accused of obstructing federal immigration agents. However, Rosen delegated the discussion to a deputy attorney, prompting Bovino's alleged inappropriate comments.
Specific Allegations Regarding Jewish Observance
The report details several specific allegations about Bovino's conduct during the conversation. Sources claim the Border Patrol commander used the phrase "chosen people" in a mocking manner when referring to Rosen's Jewish identity.
Additionally, Bovino reportedly complained about his inability to contact Rosen during part of a weekend, sarcastically noting that the prosecutor was observing Shabbat. This Jewish period of rest typically occurs between Friday and Saturday evenings and often involves refraining from certain activities including driving and electronic device usage.
The commander also allegedly asked whether Rosen understood that "Orthodox Jewish criminals don't take weekends off," according to the newspaper's sources.
Official Responses and Denials
Neither Bovino nor Rosen responded to requests for comment from The New York Times regarding the allegations. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Border Patrol operations, dismissed the report as focusing on "gossip" rather than substantive issues.
"Instead of focusing on gossip, why don't you focus on something actually important like the victims of illegal alien crime or the criminals taken out of Minneapolis communities?" DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told the outlet.
Bovino's Recent Role and Controversies
Over the past year, Commander Bovino has played a significant role in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operations across the United States. He was stationed in Minneapolis for several weeks this month, where he defended federal agents involved in two separate fatal shootings.
Bovino reportedly claimed that Alex Pretti, who was killed by agents on January 24, wanted to "massacre law enforcement" despite video evidence contradicting this characterization. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has similarly made false claims about Pretti brandishing a weapon at officers.
Footage of the incident shows agents pulling Pretti to the ground, seizing a weapon from him, and then shooting him multiple times. Local officials have confirmed Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid carry permit.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
Just days after Pretti's death, Bovino was reportedly demoted and dispatched back to California. A preliminary review by the Department of Homeland Security's internal watchdog made no mention of Pretti brandishing a weapon during the encounter.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has since announced a federal investigation into Pretti's shooting, describing the inquiry as "standard" procedure following such incidents.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has dispatched border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota, where he is now managing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the region.
Anti-ICE protesters have gathered outside a Minnesota hotel following Bovino's removal from his role in the area, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement practices.
