Minneapolis, January 27, 2026
Gregory Bovino, a key figure in President Trump’s Border Patrol operations in Minneapolis, is set to be relocated amid controversies regarding immigration enforcement tactics. The move follows growing criticism over aggressive actions taken by federal agents, especially after the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. Bovino, who has been a prominent face of these operations, will return to California’s El Centro sector, marking a significant reshuffle in the Trump administration’s immigration leadership strategies. This comes as President Trump deploys new oversight to address the escalating tensions.
Minneapolis: Key Border Patrol Commander Relocated Amid Controversy
Minneapolis, MN – Gregory Bovino, the high-profile official in charge of President Trump’s Border Patrol operations and the leading figure of on-the-ground immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, is being moved out of the city, according to officials. This significant development comes as the Trump administration reshuffles the leadership of its immigration enforcement operations following intense backlash over tactics and recent fatal shootings by federal agents. Bovino, along with several agents, is expected to depart Minneapolis on Tuesday, returning to their home sectors.
Shift in Command and Enforcement Tactics
The relocation of Commander Bovino marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing federal immigration enforcement efforts in Minneapolis. His reassignment to California’s El Centro sector, where he previously served as chief agent, is effectively considered a demotion. Bovino had been central to the administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown, often appearing in tactical gear and becoming the public face of these operations in various major American cities.
The decision to transfer Bovino follows a period of escalating tensions in Minneapolis, particularly after the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday. Bovino publicly suggested that Pretti intended to “massacre” federal agents, a claim that was later contradicted by witnesses and video evidence. This incident further fueled widespread criticism of federal agents’ conduct in the city. The earlier fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good in January by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer also contributed to the rising concerns.
Minneapolis has been a focal point for the Trump administration’s immigration strategy, with a surge of thousands of federal agents deployed to the city for a sweeping enforcement operation. Currently, approximately 3,000 ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are operating in Minneapolis, a force roughly five times the size of the local police department. Federal agents have carried out about 3,400 arrests in the area.
Broader Context of “Operation Metro Surge”
The federal presence in Minneapolis is part of a broader initiative known as “Operation Metro Surge,” which commenced in the Minneapolis area in December. This operation reflects the Trump administration’s strategy of deploying Border Patrol agents to interior cities, hundreds of miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, to carry out immigration arrests. Bovino previously led similar controversial operations in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and New Orleans.
The aggressive tactics employed by officers under Bovino’s command, including immigration sweeps in public spaces like parking lots and incidents involving property damage, have drawn significant criticism from local officials in these Democratic-led localities. These operations have also caused internal friction within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with some ICE leaders expressing concerns that Border Patrol’s tactics have become overly aggressive and controversial, potentially undermining public support for enforcement efforts.
In response to the escalating situation and growing public discontent, President Trump announced that Tom Homan, the White House border czar, would be sent to Minnesota to oversee operations on the ground, reporting directly to the president. This move followed conciliatory calls between President Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Evidence suggests that the administration’s heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics are losing public support. The administration has faced accusations of misrepresenting facts regarding the incidents and refusing to cooperate with local investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main news event?
The main news event is the planned relocation of Gregory Bovino, the official in charge of President Trump’s Border Patrol operations and the face of on-the-ground immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, out of the city.
Who is Gregory Bovino?
Gregory Bovino is a prominent Border Patrol commander who served as the official in charge of President Trump’s Border Patrol operations and the face of on-the-ground immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. He held the title of commander-at-large of the U.S. Border Patrol.
Why is Gregory Bovino being moved?
Gregory Bovino is being moved following intense public and internal backlash regarding immigration enforcement tactics and his response to the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. His claims about Pretti’s intentions were contradicted by witnesses and video. This move is seen as a demotion.
When is Gregory Bovino expected to leave Minneapolis?
Gregory Bovino is expected to leave Minneapolis on Tuesday.
Where will Gregory Bovino be reassigned?
Gregory Bovino is expected to return to California’s El Centro sector, where he served as the chief agent previously.
Are other federal agents also being moved from Minneapolis?
Yes, Gregory Bovino and several other agents are expected to leave Minneapolis and return to their home sectors.
What is “Operation Metro Surge”?
“Operation Metro Surge” is a wide-ranging immigration crackdown launched by the Trump administration in the Minneapolis area in December. It involves the deployment of Border Patrol agents to interior cities, hundreds of miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.
How many federal agents are currently in Minneapolis for this operation?
Approximately 3,000 ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are currently operating in Minneapolis as part of this crackdown.
Who is Tom Homan and what is his role in this situation?
Tom Homan is the White House border czar. President Trump announced that Homan would be sent to Minnesota to oversee operations on the ground, reporting directly to the president.
Key Features of the Minneapolis Immigration Enforcement
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Key Official Relocated | Gregory Bovino, head of President Trump’s Border Patrol operations in Minneapolis. | City-level (Minneapolis) |
| Reason for Relocation | Intense backlash over tactics and response to fatal shootings, particularly involving Alex Pretti. | City-level (Minneapolis) |
| Nature of Relocation | Effectively a demotion; Bovino is returning to his former sector in El Centro, California. | National (relocation from city to border sector) |
| Operation Name | “Operation Metro Surge” | City-level (Minneapolis area) |
| Federal Agent Presence | Approximately 3,000 ICE and CBP agents deployed. | City-level (Minneapolis) |
| Federal Arrests Reported | Around 3,400 arrests made in the area. | City-level (Minneapolis) |
| Administration’s Strategy | Deployment of Border Patrol agents to interior cities for immigration enforcement. | National (across multiple cities) |
| New Oversight | Tom Homan, White House border czar, sent to oversee operations. | City-level (Minneapolis) |
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