Demoted Border Patrol Commander Breaks Silence with Mount Rushmore Message
Gregory Bovino, the recently demoted Border Patrol commander, has broken his silence with a heartfelt video message to federal immigration agents filmed before the iconic Mount Rushmore memorial in South Dakota.
The career Border Patrol agent, who was removed from his role leading aggressive deportation operations in Minnesota, used the symbolic backdrop to address the agents he previously oversaw, praising their work and sending them emotional support during his journey back to his original post in California.
'Turn and Burn' Tactics Compared to Presidential Legacy
Standing before the monumental presidential carvings, Bovino directly addressed his former team by drawing parallels between their immigration enforcement work and the enduring legacy of the presidents immortalised in stone.
"I'm very proud of what you, the Mean Green Machine, are doing in Minneapolis right now, just like you've done it across the United States over these tough past nine months," Bovino declared in the video message. "I want you to know you are the modern day equivalent of turn and burn."
The phrase "turn and burn" has become synonymous with Bovino's approach to immigration enforcement since he became a central figure in President Trump's operations. This controversial strategy involves rapid deployment into cities, conducting mass arrests, and swift withdrawal.
Emotional Support Amid Controversial Removal
Bovino's video message took on an increasingly personal tone as he continued: "Makes me very proud. Also want you to know I've got your back now and always. I love you, I support you and I salute you."
This public display of affection and solidarity comes shortly after Bovino's removal from his Minnesota command position. The demotion followed separate incidents in Minneapolis where federal agents killed two American citizens: 37-year-old Renee Good and 37-year-old Alex Pretti.
The Trump administration's decision to replace Bovino with Border Czar Tom Homan appears designed to address mounting public outrage over clashes between civilians and immigration enforcement agents. However, official statements have characterised the move as merely a routine personnel change.
National Controversy and Military-Style Operations
Bovino rose to national prominence over the past year after being appointed "commander-at-large" for mass deportation operations across multiple major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minneapolis.
His military-style approach to immigration enforcement has generated significant controversy nationwide, resulting in:
- Multiple lawsuits alleging constitutional violations by agents
- Numerous complaints about brutality during operations
- Widespread protests opposing the tactics employed
The killings of Good and Pretti have placed Trump's immigration enforcement leadership under unprecedented scrutiny, with Bovino's removal representing the administration's most visible response to the growing criticism.
Administration Response and Future Implications
President Trump addressed Bovino's reassignment during a recent Fox News appearance, offering mixed commentary on his former commander's performance and personality.
"Bovino is pretty good, but he's a pretty out-there kind of guy," Trump remarked. "Maybe it wasn't good here."
This ambiguous assessment reflects the complex position Bovino occupies within the administration's immigration enforcement strategy - simultaneously praised for effectiveness while being removed from a high-profile command position following civilian deaths.
As Bovino continues his journey back to California, his Mount Rushmore message serves as both a public declaration of support for the agents he commanded and a symbolic statement about the permanence he believes their work represents in American immigration policy.
