The departure of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino from Minneapolis marks a significant moment in the Trump administration's immigration strategy, following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. Bovino, known for his aggressive promotion of deportation policies, is set to leave the city on Tuesday as federal presence scales back.
Strategic Shift and Leadership Changes
This move comes amid a sharp shift in strategy from the White House, prompted by the killing of the 37-year-old Pretti. Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is sending Tom Homan, his "border czar," to Minnesota to oversee operations, reporting directly to the president. This reshuffling aims to address the turmoil that escalated into two fatal shootings by federal agents in the area.
Demotion and Official Response
Reports indicate that Bovino has been stripped of his specially created title of "commander at large" and will return to his former role as chief patrol agent in California's El Centro sector. However, the Department of Homeland Security has pushed back on these demotion claims, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stating that Bovino has not been relieved of his duties, citing praise from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Public Reaction and Protests
Despite the news, dozens of protesters gathered outside a hotel where Bovino was believed to be staying, blowing whistles and banging pots, with police monitoring the situation. Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey, after a conciliatory call with Trump, is scheduled to meet with Homan as some federal agents begin to withdraw from the city.
Bovino's Controversial Role
Gregory Bovino has been a lightning rod for criticism, often appearing in highly produced videos that resemble action films to trumpet deportation operations. His swaggering presence and tactics, including aggressive "turn and burn" methods, have drawn comparisons to historical figures and sparked backlash from Democrats and civil liberties activists.
Recent Incidents and Accountability
Bovino aggressively defended his agents after the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, despite video evidence contradicting his claims. In Pretti's case, footage showed he was holding a phone, not a gun, and had been disarmed before being killed. Last year, Bovino was reprimanded by a federal judge for lying to the court, adding to the controversy surrounding his tenure.
As Bovino returns to El Centro, his departure underscores the ongoing tensions and strategic recalibrations in US immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
