Customs and Border Protection Cmdr. Greg Bovino leaving Chicago soon, DHS expected to maintain presence: sources
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Chicago is poised to bid farewell to Customs and Border Protection Commander Greg Bovino, with sources revealing to ABC News that his departure could occur in the coming days.

Despite Bovino’s expected move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will continue its operations within the city, as confirmed by multiple insiders.

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Speculation about Bovino’s next assignment is growing. Sources suggest he may be transitioning to another city or potentially returning to the El Centro Sector.

Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, reassured that DHS’s presence in Chicago remains steadfast.

“We aren’t leaving Chicago,” McLaughlin emphasized in a statement, pointing to statistics from the ongoing “Midway Blitz” operation.

A spokesperson for DHS claims crime has fallen since their operations began. President Donald Trump posted the same claims to Truth Social.

But the ABC7 Chicago data team found that violent crime had been decreasing already over the past 12 months in the city.

A spokesperson for the mayor’s office responded to DHS’ claim in part, saying “It is great to hear that the Trump administration acknowledges, as we have been saying for months, that crime is significantly down in Chicago. However, they have nothing to do with that work.”

On Tuesday, while not commenting on his apparent departure, Bovino did post on X, “More to come! These poor ‘leaders’ will be most disappointed when they continue seeing the Green Machine making their streets safer.”

It’s not clear what’s next for “Operation Midway Blitz.”

“They can send whoever they want. They are going to receive the same thing from us, not here in Little Village, not in Chicago,” community organizer Chela Garcia said.

Bovino has had a visible presence in the area throughout federal immigration enforcement.

As a federal judge considered a use of force injunction, which was ultimately granted, Bovino testified to CBP agents’ actions.

He defended their use of force.

The Trump administration on Monday filed an emergency request asking the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to immediately pause the preliminary injunction on federal immigration agents’ use of force in the Chicago area, while it considers their appeal, saying the order violates the separation of powers.

District Judge Sara Ellis’ order prohibits federal agents from “using riot control weapons” against journalists, demonstrators and religious practitioners without first issuing warnings unless necessary to stop immediate threats of physical harms to agents or others.

Ellis said the government lied under oath, saying federal agents’ conduct in the Chicagoland area shows no signs of stopping.

She also disputed statements made during Bovino’s own recorded deposition.

Ellis called Bovino out for at least three instances in which his deposition contradicted the video evidence, including the Little Village incident on Oct. 23 when Bovino publicly said he had thrown a tear gas canister at protesters after being hit by a rock in the head. He later admitted, under oath, he had thrown it before.

It is worth noting that while the 7th Circuit did block Ellis’ attempt to have Bovino meet with her daily, they did uphold the temporary restraining order that this order replaces. If it survives on appeal, the preliminary injunction will remain in effect until a trial on this case can be held.

Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement:

“On the same day Bovino is reportedly leaving Chicago, Trump is yet again threatening to send military troops into an American city against our own citizens. This doesn’t mark an end to federal overreach – it marks an expansion. Illinois is remaining clear-eyed that Donald Trump’s power-grabbing efforts to undermine American rights and freedoms are continuing with full force. This has never been about improving immigration enforcement or public safety – this is about normalizing military tanks and armed troops on American streets.

“Chicago IS the nation’s best big city for the ninth year in a row because of its growing economy, hardworking people, and neighbors who take care of each other and welcome visitors from every corner of the globe with unmatched warmth and pride. No lies or TruthSocial posts will change that.

“And the only real estate vacancy Trump should be worried about continues to be the one at Trump Tower.”

Politicians are reacting to CBP Chief Bovino leaving Chicago.

But, there seems to be cautious optimism among local leaders that perhaps the contentious nature of immigration raids that frequently resulted in federal agents deploying tear gas might be reduced.

Pritzker spoke at a Veterans Day event on the Southwest Side Tuesday.

To the dismay of some veterans, the program turned political.

“So today, when we see our constitutional rights under attack, we remember our veterans. We mourn the dead, and we fight like Hell for the living,” 25th Ward Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez.

“While we are here standing in solidarity with one another and honoring our veterans, Gregory Bovino is out doing photoshoots making fun of Little Village and harassing our Chicago families,” Pritzker said.

Some worry the damage is already done, as Bovino heads out.

“Yes, we’re happy they’re leaving, but the trauma they’ve inflicted upon our children and our families will be felt for generations,” 22nd Ward Ald. Michael Rodriguez said.

“At this point, we just need to make sure that, especially for this holiday season coming up, that people are shopping in our neighborhood, that people are coming to our small businesses,” state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez said. “Because right now, our small businesses are struggling.”

The governor is taking a wait and see approach.

“I would hope that federal agents and federal officers would respect their oath that they took, like the veterans that we honor today, and do the right thing. But we’ll have to see who they send in to replace Gregory Bovino,” Pritzker said.

Faith leaders on Tuesday blocked 26th Street, under the arch in Little Village, with a prayer service and makeshift altar.

Volunteers were standing by after reports that federal agents would be back in Little Village Tuesday.

They’re putting pressure on federal agents, they say, and showing organized resistance, together with the faith community.

“Only God has the right to destroy families. Your hate and racism has no place in the United States of America because we are American families, and we want to be treated with respect and dignity,” said Pastor Julie Contreras, with United Giving Hope.

“They could bring 1,000 agents; we’ll bring out 10,000 people to the streets. We don’t have guns; we don’t have nothing but whistles. And this is how we’re going to fight this administration,” Little Village Community Council President Baltazar Enriquez said. “We had 200 members out this morning, patrolling on foot and car and bikes. And we’re going to continue patrolling for the next three years.”

Protesters were there all day, in case what appeared to be an online threat issued Monday by Bovino against Little Village materialized.

As of about 4 p.m., it did not.

Bovino’s post appeared to imply Border Patrol officers might once again take to the same streets which just three days ago witnessed the continued deployment of chemical agents against residents in contravention of a judge’s order.

“They know nothing of Little Village. We are Little Village,” said Pastor Paco Amador, with New Life Community Church.

Holding up photos of federal agents alongside Chicago police officers, community leaders and activists at Tuesday’s protest claimed CPD colluded with agents during several operations in Little Village on Saturday as part of operation “Midway Blitz.”

Chicago police only said that officers provided crowd control.

Demonstrators also called out Bovino on Tuesday.

“Whether they go or not, Greg Bovino needs to be jailed. He is a criminal and a thug in every sense of the word,” said organizer Jordan Esparza-Kelley.

“We’re going to continue patrolling, blowing the whistle, and we’re not going to just, you know, say, ‘OK, he’s gone. Let’s go back.’ No, this administration is not going to stop,” said Little Village Community Council President Baltazar Enriquez.

ABC7 has reached out to CPD for comment on those allegations against officers, but did not immediately hear back.

ABC News contributed to this report.

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