Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino has been removed from his position as "commander at large" and will return to his former role in El Centro, California, with retirement expected soon. This demotion is seen as a significant indication of the Trump administration re-evaluating its aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, particularly following the recent killing of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents under Bovino's command. President Trump also suggested a potential shift in the mass-deportation campaign, noting a conversation with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz where they reached a "similar wavelength." Tom Homan, former ICE chief, is set to lead the federal mobilization in Minnesota.
For the past seven months, Bovino served as the public face of immigration crackdowns in Democratic-led cities, traveling with a film crew and using social media to engage with critics and politicians. His role as a political actor, operating outside the usual agency chain of command, caused unease among veteran ICE and CBP officials. In Minneapolis, Bovino was the administration's lead spokesperson, defending agents' actions and blaming protesters and local officials.
Bovino's removal occurred two days after Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, an intensive-care nurse. At a press conference following the shooting, Bovino supported the Department of Homeland Security's claims that Pretti intended to "massacre" agents, portraying the agents as victims. However, video evidence contradicted these claims, showing Pretti did not draw a weapon or attack agents before one disarmed him and another shot him in the back.