Gregory Bovino, who had been serving as the nationwide commander for Customs and Border Protection, has resumed his former position as the chief patrol agent in El Centro, California. His return follows two deadly shootings in Minneapolis, Minnesota, involving federal agents, prompting a major shift in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.
Trump later acknowledged concerns about Bovino’s conduct in Minneapolis, saying that although Bovino is “very good,” he’s “a pretty out-there kind of a guy” and “maybe it wasn’t good here.” The president explained he was sending Tom Homan because “Tom, as tough as he is, gets along” with governors and mayors, including those in Democratic areas.
The 55-year-old official previously directed numerous arrest operations in major cities including Los Angeles, California, Chicago, Illinois, Charlotte, North Carolina, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Despite his reassignment, Bovino remains an active official, as confirmed Monday by the Department of Homeland Security. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin recognized Bovino’s important role within the administration, emphasizing that his official responsibilities continue.
The leadership shake-up follows the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, on January 24. This incident occurred around the same time President Donald Trump announced that Tom Homan, the White House border czar, would be sent to Minneapolis to lead enforcement operations. Trump said Homan would report directly to him, bypassing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Bovino. Homan has already arrived in the city.
Video from the Minneapolis shooting showed that Pretti was holding a cell phone, not a gun, when federal agents killed him. Although Pretti lawfully possessed a concealed carry permit and firearm, Bovino suggested at a press conference that Pretti had intended to harm officers. Agents fired multiple shots after taking his gun. Footage appears to show Pretti did not attempt to reach for it.
President Trump appeared to distance himself from Bovino’s assessment, stating that Pretti did not behave like a murderer.
Following the shooting, Bovino drew backlash for calling the Border Patrol agents the victims in the situation.
Pretti’s death marked the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. Earlier, on January 7, Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was killed by an ICE officer while driving her SUV away from the scene.
The shootings led to widespread demonstrations across Minnesota and criticism from both political parties. Protests continued into early February, with dozens arrested outside the federal building in Minneapolis on February 7, the one-month anniversary of Good’s death.
The incidents also prompted resignations within the Justice Department. At least six federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota stepped down, citing concerns over how the department managed the investigations. They expressed frustration that they were prevented from investigating the federal officers involved in the deaths of Good and Pretti.
Amid growing criticism, federal agents have begun pulling out of Minneapolis, signaling a dramatic shift for an administration that initially defended the aggressive tactics used in many urban areas.
Bovino’s long career with CBP, including his high-profile role as commander at large, positioned him as a key figure in Trump’s immigration crackdown.
During Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, Bovino oversaw about 1,600 arrests in the city and surrounding suburbs. His operations in Los Angeles resulted in more than 5,000 arrests. His combative tactics and outspoken presence made him a prominent figure in federal immigration enforcement.
Bovino’s methods were legally challenged during the Chicago operation. A judge noted that Bovino admitted he lied about being struck by a rock before deploying tear gas against protesters.
Bovino personally used tear gas during protests opposing immigration enforcement. His assertive crowd-control tactics made him a divisive figure—praised by hardline immigration supporters and criticized by civil liberties groups.
The commander-at-large position was a temporary assignment giving Bovino broad authority to lead operations nationwide. His return to El Centro marks a significant shift, though DHS officials insist he remains a key figure in the administration’s enforcement leadership.
The administration’s changing tone suggests it is moving away from its initial strong defense of agent actions after the fatal shootings.
The Minneapolis operations have intensified debate over federal authority and immigration enforcement tactics. Protests continue across the state, with demonstrators calling for accountability and policy reforms. State and local leaders have clashed with federal officials over coordination and oversight of immigration activities within their communities.
Bovino’s tenure as commander at large underscored the administration’s aggressive immigration agenda. His regular media appearances kept him in the public eye as federal agents conducted sweeping operations in cities led by Democrats.
The leadership change in Minneapolis, with Homan taking direct control under Trump’s orders, suggests the administration recognizes the need for a different strategy following public outrage. Homan’s appointment sidesteps standard departmental hierarchy, granting him direct authority to reorganize operations in the city.
As Bovino returns to El Centro, questions linger over whether his aggressive approach will continue elsewhere or if the fallout in Minneapolis will lead to broader reforms in immigration enforcement. The fatal shootings have heightened scrutiny of federal use of force and raised concerns about oversight of local operations.