What started as another weekend of national headlines in Minneapolis turned into a dramatic shakeup for the Border Patrol.
Gregory Bovino, the veteran commander who has become a familiar face in Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement campaigns, is leaving the city amid mounting criticism over the shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
Authorities confirmed Bovino has been reassigned and locked out of his government social media accounts, signaling an abrupt pause in his public-facing role.
Return to California and Retirement on the Horizon
Bovino is expected to return to his former post in El Centro, California, where he is anticipated to retire soon, according to reports from the Atlantic.
Homeland Security sources revealed that his government-issued social media accounts were revoked under orders from Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott.
While he has not been fired, officials say this reassignment is part of a broader effort to de-escalate tensions in Minneapolis following the Pretti shooting.
Social Media Storm and Public Backlash
The controversy ignited after Bovino spent the weekend defending the fatal shooting of Pretti.
He tweeted repeatedly to the public, emphasizing “don’t assault federal officers” in response to online accounts portraying Pretti positively.
When challenged over reports that Pretti was unarmed, Bovino maintained the victim “confronted and assaulted officers and was armed while doing so.”
His comments sparked public outrage and drew responses from politicians, including Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who criticized Bovino’s stance on the constitutional right to bear arms.
Bovino also exchanged barbs with Senator Bill Cassidy, Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, and even author Stephen King, all of whom called for independent investigations into the incident.
Protesters in Minneapolis organized a “goodbye Gregory Bovino” demonstration, clashing with Border Patrol agents in gas masks who fired irritants into the crowd.
Political Alliances and Internal Tensions
Sources indicate Bovino is a loyalist to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and her rumored partner, Corey Lewandowski.
This alliance fueled speculation that Bovino might replace Rodney Scott as Border Patrol chief. Noem previously tried to elevate Bovino’s influence by having him report directly to her, bypassing standard agency protocols.
However, his removal from Minneapolis highlights Noem’s declining influence with the White House as Trump deploys Tom Homan and his allies to regain operational control on the ground.
The ‘Public Image’ Controversy
Throughout his career, Bovino has cultivated a highly visible, sometimes theatrical persona.
Known for appearing without a face covering during raids and sporting a severe buzzcut and trench coat, his look has been compared to a “Nazi aesthetic” by German media and criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Bovino defended his wardrobe as longstanding Border Patrol merchandise, while experts like Jenn Budd have described him as “the Liberace of the agency,” calling his approach more showmanship than strategy.
His dramatic public actions include swimming across canals to deter migrants and orchestrating highly choreographed raids ahead of Trump’s inauguration.
Homeland Security officials have described him bluntly as “a badass,” yet his tactics have not been without legal trouble.
A federal judge recently found Bovino “evasive” and “not credible” in testimony related to a Chicago immigration crackdown, noting he admitted to lying about being attacked before ordering tear gas.
Fallout and What’s Ahead
Bovino’s reassignment marks a significant turning point in his career and the Border Patrol’s public image.
While he remains a “key part of the president’s team,” his absence from Minneapolis signals an attempt to calm public outrage and political tension.
With federal oversight increasing and Trump sending trusted allies to manage the operation, Bovino’s role in high-profile immigration crackdowns may be winding down—but his 30-year career in the Border Patrol has left an indelible mark on the agency and the public debate over law enforcement tactics.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn