Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino Removed from Minneapolis Post After Fatal Shooting
The Trump administration is removing Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino from his high-profile position in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement strategy. Bovino, who became the public face of the administration's aggressive deportation campaign in the city, will depart along with some deployed agents as federal presence scales back.
Leadership Reshuffle Amid Growing Controversy
A senior Trump administration official confirmed to Reuters that the 55-year-old commander, who has faced intense criticism from Democrats and civil liberties activists, will leave Minnesota on Tuesday. The move comes as President Donald Trump announced he is sending border czar Tom Homan to oversee operations in Minneapolis, directly reporting to the White House.
Bovino has reportedly been stripped of his specially created "commander at large" title and will return to his former role as chief patrol agent in California's El Centro sector along the US-Mexico border. This demotion follows The Atlantic's report citing Department of Homeland Security officials who indicated Bovino was expected to retire soon.
White House Strategy Shift After Fatal Incident
The leadership change comes amid a sharp strategic pivot from the White House following the killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal agents on Saturday. Video evidence contradicted Bovino's initial claims about the incident, showing Pretti holding a phone rather than a weapon.
President Trump has held conciliatory calls with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats he previously blamed for escalating tensions. Mayor Frey confirmed he is scheduled to meet with Tom Homan in Minneapolis as some federal agents begin withdrawing from the city.
Contradictory Statements and Public Backlash
The Department of Homeland Security initially pushed back against demotion reports, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stating "Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties." She referenced White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's praise of Bovino as a "key part of the president's team and a great American."
Despite these statements, protests erupted outside a hotel where Bovino was believed to be staying, with demonstrators blowing whistles, banging pots, and confronting police. The public outcry followed Bovino's controversial defense of agents after both Pretti's shooting and the earlier fatal shooting of Renee Good.
Bovino's Controversial Tenure and Media Presence
Gregory Bovino parlayed his regional Border Patrol role into national prominence through constant conservative media appearances and aggressive "turn and burn" tactics. He became known for highly produced videos resembling action films that promoted Trump's deportation agenda, often appearing as the only unmasked agent surrounded by teams in tactical gear.
His recent appearance in Minneapolis snow wearing an army green greatcoat drew comparisons to historical enforcement agencies, further fueling controversy. CNN reported that DHS has suspended Bovino's access to his social media accounts, limiting his public communication channels.
Legal and Operational Scrutiny
Bovino's tenure has faced multiple challenges beyond the recent shootings. Last year, a federal judge reprimanded him for lying to the court, adding to scrutiny of his leadership methods. His aggressive promotion of Trump's immigration crackdown through Operation Metro Surge made him a lightning rod for criticism while elevating his profile within administration circles.
The commander's departure from Minneapolis represents a significant moment in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement approach, particularly as the White House seeks to recalibrate its strategy following fatal incidents and mounting public pressure.
