Minneapolis remains at the heart of a contentious debate over the enforcement of immigration laws, specifically regarding criminal illegal aliens. The ongoing conflict has sparked discussions about whether recent activities should be classified as peaceful expressions of free speech or outright riots.

A recent ruling by a federal judge, highlighted by my colleague Bob Hoge, addresses this issue and may significantly limit the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents:

READ MORE: Biden-Appointed Judge Restricts ICE — Limits on Non-Lethal Weapons and Arrests of ‘Peaceful’ Protesters

Gregory Bovino, chief of the Border Patrol, has been involved in operations nationwide and recently in Minnesota. His insights provide a ground-level perspective on the situation in Minneapolis.

In a recent interview, as reported by my colleague Sister Toldjah, Bovino criticized Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for inciting protests and attacks on ICE. Additionally, Friday evening brought news that the Justice Department (DOJ) has initiated a preliminary investigation into the anti-ICE actions of both Frey and Walz.

Someone who has been taking part in operations across the country for months – though more recently in Minnesota – is Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino, and it’s worth considering how things look on the ground level in Minneapolis based on his experience.

My colleague Sister Toldjah wrote about his recent interview taking two Democrat leaders, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and MN Governor Tim Walz, to task for riling up protesters, and inspiring attacks on ICE. We also got word on Friday evening confirming that the Justice Department (DOJ) has begun a preliminary investigation into Frey’s and Walz’ anti-ICE actions.

READ MORE: CBP Commander Shines Spotlight on Walz and Frey, Minneapolis Operation As Anti-ICE Violence Continues

Update: Walz, Frey Now Being Investigated by DOJ Over Anti-ICE Actions – MN Gov Is Not Happy

Now, CBP commander Bovino has more to say about ICE’s mission in the Twin Cities, in a new interview exclusive to NewsNation.

In this clip,he lays out the hard truth for any leftists who suffer under the illusion that they can run agents out of town, with ICE leaving before the”mission is done”:

#EXCLUSIVE “When we finish arresting all of them, perhaps our mission will be over here…” @CMDROpAtLargeCA says they’re making great strides in removing criminal illegal immigrants from the community but they’re not leaving until the mission is done. pic.twitter.com/sJMl3ptZQE

— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) January 17, 2026

He told reporter Ali Bradley that agents are committed to staying on track with the mission in MN, as long as it takes, which is arresting and removing all of the criminal illegals allowed to enter the country under the Biden chaos. 

He also talked about President Trump and Homeland Security (DHS) Sec. Kristi Noem staying “laser-focused” on the current situation in Minneapolis, especially in light of the Insurrection Act:

#EXCLUSIVE “@POTUS and @Sec_Noem Theyre laser focused on what is happening here in Minneapolis…” @CMDROpAtLargeCA says they’re providing data regularly to assist with whatever decisions need to be made when it comes to the Insurrection Act. pic.twitter.com/4Hu23Vr3qr

— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) January 17, 2026

Bovino made sure to explain that he does not want to “get ahead” of any decisions POTUS or Noem might make about insurrection, but stressed that they are getting all of the first-hand information they need, if it comes to that.

He also spoke about the reports from police, on what he calls anarchists attacking the vehicles of everyday citizens, if they think they might be law enforcement:

#EXCLUSIVE “If they even think you’re law enforcement, then you’re getting it also…” @CMDROpAtLargeCA says “anarchists” are not only vandalizing government vehicles but they’re getting reports form the police that U.S. citizens are being impacted as well. pic.twitter.com/KNTL10a6K2

— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) January 17, 2026

“I’m calling them anarchists now, these anarchists, these rioters, these bad people that wish to harm law enforcement, are now harming American citizens.” He explained that many vehicles in the parking lots of hotels where protesters suspects ICE agents are staying are getting vandalized, the cars “of innocent civilians – they don’t care.” 

In other words, their violent actions aren’t only affecting ICE. There absolutely needs to be justice over this kind of radical behavior in the long term.

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