Border Patrol Commander Leaves Minneapolis After Fatal Shooting

Published: 27 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The departure of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino from Minneapolis signals a major shift in federal immigration enforcement following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. Bovino, who became the public face of the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge, was at the centre of national criticism from Democrats and civil liberties advocates. Sources confirmed that Bovino, 55, would leave the city along with several agents, as the administration reshuffles leadership and scales back its federal Border Patrol presence.

Bovino’s exit follows the killing of Pretti, prompting sharp scrutiny over the federal deployment in Minneapolis. Officials stated that Bovino had been stripped of his title of “commander at large” and would return to his previous post as chief patrol agent in the El Centro sector along the US-Mexico border. The move coincides with Donald Trump’s announcement that Tom Homan, the former ICE director and current border czar, would oversee Border Patrol operations directly in Minnesota.

The Trump administration had initially justified the surge as necessary to combat violent crime and illegal immigration, highlighting Bovino’s aggressive strategies and media appearances promoting the Border Patrol. However, the fatal shootings of Pretti and earlier Renee Good intensified public outrage. Footage contradicted Bovino’s claims that the victims posed a threat, showing Pretti holding a phone rather than a weapon. His defence of agents drew widespread condemnation, increasing calls for leadership change.

During a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Pretti’s death as a “tragedy,” reflecting a more conciliatory tone from the administration compared to prior comments from Stephen Miller. President Trump confirmed that he had held calls with Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, signalling attempts to coordinate federal and state approaches to Border Patrol enforcement. Walz’s office noted discussions focused on potentially reducing federal agent numbers while targeting violent criminals in a more coordinated fashion.

Bovino’s tenure in Minneapolis drew attention for its high-profile, militarised imagery. Videos produced to publicise the operations often depicted Bovino as the central figure, dressed in army green greatcoats with agents surrounding him in black gaiters, evoking strong public reactions and comparisons to historical authoritarian imagery. The Atlantic reported that his aggressive tactics had elevated him from a regional chief patrol agent to a nationally recognisable enforcer for Trump’s city-by-city Border Patrol crackdown.

Following Bovino’s departure announcement, dozens of protesters gathered outside his presumed hotel, using whistles, pots, and even a trombone to voice opposition. Police maintained a barrier between demonstrators and the hotel entrance, underscoring the continued tension surrounding the federal Border Patrol presence. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security clarified that Bovino had not been officially relieved of duties, countering reports suggesting otherwise, although speculation about his imminent retirement persists.

The Minnesota deployment has sparked broader debates over federal intervention and civil liberties. Mayor Frey expressed relief that some agents would begin leaving the city immediately and reiterated his call for a full withdrawal of the Border Patrol operation. Trump described his discussions with local officials as positive, emphasising that he and state leadership were “on a similar wavelength” regarding enforcement priorities. The administration now appears to be balancing the optics of strong Border Patrol enforcement with the political realities of public outrage and fatalities.

Bovino will return to El Centro, California, resuming his prior responsibilities in a sector long associated with high-intensity Border Patrol enforcement. His departure may also signal an internal warning to federal officers that high-profile operations carry significant reputational and career risks. DHS has suspended his access to official social media accounts, preventing further public engagement while investigations continue.

The Minneapolis operation now enters a transitional phase, with reduced personnel, altered leadership, and heightened oversight. Both federal and local authorities are under pressure to prevent further fatalities while continuing to address violent crime and illegal immigration. The administration appears committed to preserving enforcement priorities, but lessons from the Pretti shooting may guide more cautious operational planning.

Public sentiment remains deeply divided. Supporters of stringent Border Patrol enforcement applaud the focus on illegal immigration and violent crime, while opponents decry excessive force and lack of accountability. Protest activity and media scrutiny are likely to persist, reflecting the highly charged nature of federal intervention in local law enforcement matters.

Ultimately, Bovino’s departure signals both a symbolic and operational shift, as the Trump administration recalibrates its approach to controversial federal deployments. It illustrates the intersection of policy, public perception, and accountability, demonstrating the political consequences of high-profile Border Patrol actions. Analysts expect further adjustments as federal and state leaders work to reconcile law enforcement objectives with community safety concerns. The unfolding situation in Minneapolis will remain a focal point for national discussions on immigration enforcement and the balance of power between federal authority and local governance.

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