Introduction
Gregory Bovino, a senior commander with the United States Border Patrol, has become one of the most visible and controversial figures in the Trump administration’s renewed immigration enforcement campaign. His sudden reassignment from Minneapolis comes amid mounting criticism following two deadly incidents involving federal agents and protesters earlier this month.
The federal crackdown in Minnesota has drawn national attention, prompting President Donald Trump to appoint longtime immigration official Tom Homan to take over enforcement operations in the region.
Why Greg Bovino Is Leaving Minneapolis
According to reports citing anonymous federal sources, Bovino is no longer leading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota. His departure follows widespread public scrutiny after two fatal shootings involving Border Patrol agents during protests in Minneapolis.
These events intensified debate over the conduct of federal agents and the tone of immigration enforcement under Trump’s second term.
While rumors circulated that Bovino had been dismissed, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rejected that claim.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated on X (formerly Twitter):
“Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties.”
However, Bovino’s removal from the Minneapolis operation signals a shift in leadership strategy as political pressure grows.
Who Is Greg Bovino?
Greg Bovino has spent nearly three decades in U.S. border enforcement. Over the past seven months, he has emerged as a central figure in nationwide immigration crackdowns ordered by the Trump administration.
He first gained national attention after leading a large-scale operation in Los Angeles last year that resulted in more than 5,000 arrests. Similar actions followed in cities such as Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Minneapolis.
Key Career Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gregory Bovino |
| Born | March 1970, California |
| Raised | North Carolina |
| Joined Border Patrol | 1996 |
| Key Cities Served | El Paso, Arizona, California, New Orleans |
| Recent Role | Lead commander of Operation Metro Surge |
A Highly Visible and Polarizing Figure
Unlike many federal officials, Bovino maintains a strong public presence on social media. He frequently posts videos from enforcement operations and defends his agents against criticism.
In Minneapolis, footage of Bovino walking through protest zones wearing a long green military-style coat and ordering demonstrators aside went viral. Some commentators compared his appearance and tone to authoritarian imagery, sparking further controversy.
Fatal Shootings and Public Backlash
Operation Metro Surge became a focal point of national controversy after two deadly shootings involving Border Patrol agents:
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Renee Nicole Good, a protester, was killed earlier this month.
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Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was later shot and killed during a separate incident.
Bovino defended the agents’ actions in interviews, claiming Pretti posed a serious threat to law enforcement.
“The fact that they’re highly trained prevented further casualties,” Bovino said in a televised interview.
However, witnesses and Pretti’s family dispute that account, stating he was holding a phone, not a weapon, when he was shot. Local officials have called for independent investigations.
Early Life and Family Background
Bovino was born in California and raised in North Carolina. His interest in law enforcement reportedly began in childhood after watching a television series about the U.S. Border Patrol.
His family history includes personal hardship. Court records show that his father was involved in a fatal drunk-driving crash in 1981 and later served time in prison. His parents eventually divorced, and Bovino’s mother raised three children.
These experiences, according to relatives, shaped his strict views on law, discipline, and authority.
Rise Within the Border Patrol
Bovino joined the Border Patrol in 1996 in El Paso, Texas. Over the next decade, he advanced through leadership positions in Arizona, California, and Louisiana.
With Trump’s return to office, Bovino became one of the most recognizable figures representing federal immigration enforcement.
Was Bovino Fired?
Despite public speculation, DHS maintains that Bovino remains employed and has simply been reassigned.
Official Position
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Was Bovino fired? | No, according to DHS |
| Is he still employed? | Yes |
| Is he leading Minnesota operations? | No |
| Who replaced him? | Tom Homan |
Who Is Tom Homan, Trump’s “Border Tsar”?
President Trump has appointed Tom Homan to oversee immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
Homan is a veteran immigration official with over 40 years of experience. He previously led ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations during the Obama administration and received a Presidential Rank Award in 2015.
He later became a key figure in Trump’s first term and now serves as the administration’s chief border strategist.
Homan’s Record on Deportations
Deportations have increased sharply under Trump’s second term:
| Year | Deportations |
|---|---|
| 2013 (Obama) | 432,000 |
| Trump First Term Peak | 350,000 |
| 2025 (Trump Second Term) | 600,000+ |
| Self-Deportations (2025) | 2.5 million |
For the first time in decades, the U.S. recorded net negative immigration in 2025.
Homan’s Immigration Philosophy
Homan is known for his hardline views on undocumented immigration.
In a past interview, he said:
“If you’re in the country illegally, you should be concerned. That’s the law.”
Supporters argue his approach brings clarity and order to immigration policy. Critics accuse him of promoting fear and aggressive enforcement tactics.
Allegations and Controversy
Homan has also faced allegations of wrongdoing. In September 2024, reports claimed he was recorded accepting a bag containing $50,000 from undercover FBI agents. Both Homan and the White House denied the accusations, and no formal charges have been announced.
The administration has not disclosed what happened to the cash referenced in those reports.
What Happens Next in Minneapolis?
With Homan now in charge, federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota is expected to intensify. Civil rights groups and local officials are calling for transparency and independent investigations into recent shootings.
The shift in leadership suggests the Trump administration aims to stabilize public perception while maintaining a tough stance on immigration.
Conclusion
Greg Bovino’s reassignment marks a turning point in the Minneapolis immigration crackdown. His rise as a public figure, combined with controversial enforcement actions and deadly encounters, made him one of the most debated federal officials in recent months.
Now, with Tom Homan taking control, the spotlight remains firmly on Minnesota as the nation watches how the Trump administration balances enforcement with accountability.