Gregory Bovino’s exit follows a second fatal shooting incident involving federal agents conducting immigration operations
Multiple media reports state that the disputed “commander at large” for President Donald Trump’s federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota has been relieved of his duties after two fatal shootings.
The reported removal of U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino follows the deaths of activists Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on Saturday, both killed by federal agents. These events triggered public anger and demonstrations across the country.
On Monday, Trump declared that White House border czar Tom Homan would be sent to Minneapolis to supervise immigration enforcement activities.
A source informed Reuters on Tuesday that Bovino is set to resume his prior role leading the El Centro sector of the U.S.-Mexico border in California.
In a post on X, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated “some federal agents” would begin departing the city, though he did not name Bovino specifically. “I will continue pushing for the rest involved in this operation to go,” Frey added.
CNN reported that Trump was “unhappy” with how Bovino and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem managed the aftermath of Pretti’s killing. Noem faced criticism for allegedly making premature comments in defense of the involved agents.
Bovino has maintained that the deceased U.S. citizen was armed and intended to “massacre law enforcement.” Online video footage seems to depict Pretti holding a phone just before he was subdued and shot. He reportedly had a weapon on him, but agents had already confiscated it.
According to CNN, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immediately blocked the 55-year-old commander from his social media accounts after he clashed with lawmakers online regarding the shootings.
Online detractors of Bovino have also alleged the commander possessed “Nazi looks” because of his very short haircut and a military-style greatcoat that became widely shared online.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on X that, notwithstanding the reassignment, Bovino continues to be “a key part of the President’s team and a great American.”
Police reported that 26 individuals were arrested overnight while protesting outside a hotel where Bovino was thought to be lodged.