Share and Follow
In an unexpected turn of events, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has countered recent reports concerning the status of Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol Chief for Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Speculation had been rife that Bovino was removed from his leadership position, a claim that McLaughlin firmly denied.
“Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties,” McLaughlin wrote in a post on X. “As @PressSec stated from the White House podium, @CMDROpAtLargeCA is a key part of the President’s team and a great American.”
These rumors followed closely on the heels of a controversial incident involving a Border Patrol agent. The incident resulted in the death of Alex Pretti, 37, and sparked discussions about Bovino’s future with the CBP. Despite the swirling narratives, McLaughlin refrained from confirming whether Bovino would continue to manage operations in Minnesota, a region currently marked by tension and unrest. This area has seen heightened activity following the deaths of two locals at the hands of federal agents amidst ongoing riots led by radical groups.
The initial reports of Bovino’s supposed removal were highlighted in a tweet by a prominent commentator, who claimed, “MAJOR BREAKING: Gregory Bovino has now been RELIEVED OF DUTY as Commander at Large of the U.S. Border Patrol, I’ve exclusively learned.” The tweet quickly gained traction, adding fuel to the fire of speculation.
McLaughlin did not say if Bovino would remain in Minnesota to oversee the high-visibility operation in Minneapolis, where two locals have been killed by federal agents amid provocative riots by far-left radicals.
However, a DHS official, along with two other individuals familiar with the situation, informed the Atlantic that Bovino is expected to return to his previous role in El Centro, California. This revelation adds another layer to the evolving narrative, leaving many to wonder about the true state of leadership within the Border Patrol.
“MAJOR BREAKING: Gregory Bovino has now been RELIEVED OF DUTY as Commander at Large of the U.S. Border Patrol, I’ve exclusive learned,” Sortor wrote.
A DHS official and “two people with knowledge” of the matter allegedly told the Atlantic that Bovino would be returning “to his former job in El Centro, California”:
Gregory Bovino has been removed from his role as Border Patrol “commander at large” and will return to his former job in El Centro, California, where he is expected to retire soon, according to a DHS official and two people with knowledge of the change.
Bovino’s sudden demotion is the clearest sign yet that the Trump administration is reconsidering its most aggressive tactics after the killing Saturday of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents under Bovino’s command.
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump revealed that he had spoken to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) and that they “seemed to be on a similar wavelength.”
“Governor Tim Walz called me with the request to work together with respect to Minnesota,” Trump said. “It was a very good call, and we, actually, seemed to be on a similar wavelength. I told Governor Walz that I would have Tom Homan call him, and that what we are looking for are any and all Criminals that they have in their possession.”
