Washington, 27 January 2026 – U.S. Border Patrol official, Gregory Bovino, has reportedly been removed from his high-profile position as “commander at large” and is expected to return to his former role in El Centro, California, in what some sources and media reports describe as a demotion, amid mounting controversy over federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The change was first reported and later confirmed by several news sources, citing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials and people familiar with the situation. Bovino’s reassignment comes as the Trump administration reassesses aspects of its immigration enforcement strategy following intense criticism over a fatal shooting by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis earlier this month.
What’s Happened
Bovino, who was deployed to Minneapolis as part of a broader federal immigration crackdown, had become a central figure in the government’s enforcement efforts, and a lightning rod for protests and political controversy. Reports suggest he will be moved back to his prior Border Patrol duties in El Centro, California, and is expected to retire soon, though formal announcements have not been made.
However, the DHS has publicly denied that Bovino has been relieved of his duties, with a spokesperson saying he continues as a key member of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) leadership and will remain within the agency even as operational roles shift. This conflicting messaging reflects ongoing sensitivities around federal immigration action and public scrutiny.
Context: Minneapolis Operation and Controversy
The leadership changes come in the wake of Operation Metro Surge, a large federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis that saw thousands of arrests and drew sharp national criticism for aggressive tactics. Two U.S. citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, both American civilians, were shot and killed by federal agents during the operation, prompting widespread protests and calls for accountability from local officials and civil liberties advocates.
Bovino had publicly defended the actions of agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, describing the situation as a threat to law enforcement, claims that were challenged by eyewitness video and statements from community leaders. That incident intensified criticism of the federal presence in Minnesota and contributed to pressure on the administration to revisit its enforcement posture.
Political and Policy Implications
The reported reassignment may signal a shift in the federal government’s approach to managing high-visibility immigration enforcement operations, as the White House seeks to temper tensions and reduce political fallout. In recent days, President Donald Trump held a more conciliatory phone call with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, indicating willingness to alter tactics and reframe federal involvement amid bipartisan concern over public safety and civil liberties.
Critics have viewed Bovino’s leadership style and his public comments as exacerbating tensions with local communities and elected officials. Meanwhile, advocates for tougher federal enforcement continue to defend aggressive immigration measures as necessary for border security and rule enforcement. The debate over enforcement tactics and leadership underscores broader national tensions over immigration policy and federal-local relations.
