MINNEAPOLIS — Gregory Bovino, the border patrol official who emerged as the public face of the immigration sweep in Minneapolis, is being replaced in the city by border czar Tom Homan. This leadership change comes as the Trump administration reorganizes the hierarchy of its immigration enforcement mission and reduces the federal footprint following a second deadly shooting by agents.
The Removal of Bovino
The removal of Bovino follows shortly after his appearance on Sunday news broadcasts, where he claimed border patrol officers were the true victims after federal agents shot and killed nurse Alex Pretti. A high-ranking Trump administration official informed Reuters that the 55-year-old leader would be exiting Minnesota alongside several agents assigned with him.
An additional individual acquainted with the situation stated Bovino was deprived of his unique, specially created “commander at large” title and will revert to his previous role as a chief patrol agent within the El Centro sector in California. On Monday, Donald Trump declared he was dispatching Homan to Minnesota to supervise the ground activities—dubbed Operation Metro Surge—reporting straight to the president.
Judicial Pressure Mounts
Homan’s arrival does not resolve ICE’s legal hurdles. Minnesota’s chief federal judge has now summoned acting head Todd Lyons to appear in court this Friday for purportedly ignoring judicial mandates. The judge warned that a contempt citation is possible, stating, “The court’s patience is at an end”.
Bovino’s exit occurs during a significant pivot in White House strategy following the death of Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse. Reports from The Atlantic suggest Bovino is anticipated to retire in the near future.
DHS Challenges Reports
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) challenged the accounts of a demotion. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin responded to social media claims by stating, “Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties,” while referencing White House praise for him as a “key part of the president’s team”.
Despite news of his departure, dozens of demonstrators congregated outside a hotel believed to house Bovino, blowing whistles and banging pots. During a briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt adopted a gentler tone, labeling Pretti’s death a “tragedy” and distancing the administration from advisor Stephen Miller’s earlier “assassin” claims.
Union Outrage and Political Shifts
Pretti’s labor union expressed “disgust” at the administration’s “abhorrent rhetoric” following the killing. They criticized VA secretary Doug Collins for using the death of his employee to advance partisan goals, calling instead for a transparent, third-party probe.
Trump and Governor Tim Walz spoke about the enforcement surge in a call the president later termed “very good”. Trump posted on Truth Social that they were on a “similar wavelength”. The Governor’s office suggested future de-escalation, noting Trump agreed to consider lowering the count of federal agents in the state. Similarly, Mayor Jacob Frey indicated that some federal personnel would start exiting the area on Tuesday.
The “Action Film” Persona
Bovino frequently promoted his activities through polished videos styled like action movies, appearing as the sole unmasked figure among agents in black facial coverings. He recently drew scrutiny for wearing an army green greatcoat in the snow, which sparked comparisons to the Gestapo.
Reports indicate the DHS has now blocked Bovino’s social media access. While Bovino claimed Pretti intended to “massacre” officers, surveillance footage confirmed Pretti was clutching a phone, not a firearm, and was disarmed by agents before being fatally shot. Last year, Bovino was also reprimanded by a federal judge for providing false information to the court.
