Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol commander recently spotlighted for leading Donald Trump’s high-profile immigration crackdowns, has been reassigned and stripped of his government social media accounts.
The move comes after a heated weekend in Minneapolis surrounding the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
According to sources cited by the Atlantic, Bovino will return to his former post in El Centro, California, where he is expected to retire soon.
Homeland Security insiders confirmed that his X (formerly Twitter) account was deactivated on orders from Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott.
Social Media Firestorm
Bovino became the center of attention after posting dozens of tweets defending the federal officers involved in Pretti’s death.
Responding to online users who shared positive details about Pretti, Bovino wrote repeatedly, “don’t assault federal officers.”
When one user noted that Pretti had “never at any time produced a gun,” Bovino countered: “The SUSPECT confronted and assaulted officers and was armed while doing so.”
He also clashed publicly with lawmakers, including Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who criticized the federal response and defended citizens’ constitutional right to bear arms.
Bovino fired back, saying: “Attacking law enforcement is not a right like you want it to be.”
The commander further exchanged barbed messages with Senator Bill Cassidy, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, and author Stephen King, generating over 40 tweets in just two days before going silent for more than 11 hours.
Reassignment and Administration Shake-Up
Despite the controversy, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that Bovino had not been fired and remains a “key part of the president’s team.”
His reassignment is part of a broader shakeup reportedly orchestrated by Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan.
Bovino, nicknamed “Little Napoleon,” and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem have both been sidelined as Homan and his allies take charge in Minneapolis.
Bovino had been considered a potential successor to current Border Patrol chief Rodney Scott, a longtime Homan ally, in a plan to centralize control under Noem.
Minneapolis and the Pretti Incident
Bovino’s removal coincides with efforts to de-escalate tensions in Minneapolis following Pretti’s death.
Officials say his public statements and social media activity exacerbated the situation, particularly his claim that Pretti intended to “massacre” federal agents.
Trump reportedly spent hours monitoring coverage of the administration’s handling of the incident, frustrated by its portrayal on cable news.
Meanwhile, Noem labeled Pretti a “domestic terrorist,” heightening internal White House concerns.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that the President had not endorsed Noem’s language.
Bovino’s Rise and Controversial Tactics
A 30-year Border Patrol veteran, Bovino rose from Chief Patrol Agent in the El Centro sector to lead widely publicized crackdowns under Trump’s second term.
His approach often involved choreographed enforcement actions that drew local backlash.
Notably, Bovino frequently appeared on the frontlines without a mask, wearing a buzzcut and trench coat that drew comparisons in international media to authoritarian aesthetics.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the look as “SS garb,” while Bovino defended it as official Border Patrol merchandise he owned for over 25 years.
Experts, like author Jenn Budd, describe Bovino as theatrical, likening him to “the Liberace” of Border Patrol — a figure who crafts dramatic displays to project authority and moral superiority.
Past stunts included inviting journalists to watch him swim across a canal to discourage migrants from crossing.
Legal Concerns and Public Criticism
While his aggressive public image impressed Trump, Bovino’s enforcement strategies have raised legal and ethical questions.
A federal judge in Chicago accused him of being “evasive” and at times “outright lying” about an immigration operation, noting video evidence contradicted his testimony.
McLaughlin, when asked why Bovino was chosen for high-visibility enforcement actions, described him bluntly: “Because he’s a badass.”
Yet, the combination of strongman theatrics, controversial social media posts, and disputed legal testimony underscores the growing friction between Bovino and both local authorities and members of his own administration.
What Comes Next
Bovino’s return to El Centro signals a winding down of his active field role, even as the Trump administration pushes forward with high-profile immigration operations elsewhere.
His reassignment, coupled with the deactivation of his social media presence, appears aimed at stabilizing operations in Minneapolis while avoiding further public controversy.
With Bovino sidelined and Tom Homan assuming greater control, the coming weeks will test whether the administration can manage tense situations without inflaming national scrutiny or public backlash.
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