Gregory Bovino, the prominent commander of the United States Border Patrol, is expected to depart Minneapolis today in the wake of the weekend killing of Alex Pretti. This incident marks the second fatal shooting of a civilian by federal immigration agents on American streets this month, intensifying scrutiny over enforcement tactics.
Controversial Figure in Immigration Crackdown
Bovino has emerged as a highly visible and contentious figure in Minnesota, known for aggressively advancing former President Donald Trump's deportation agenda. His role has positioned him as the public face of the administration's stringent immigration crackdown in the state, drawing sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers and civil liberties activists who view his methods as overly harsh.
Conflicting Reports on Bovino's Status
According to an unnamed source speaking to Reuters, Bovino has been stripped of his specially created title of "commander at large" within the Border Patrol. However, the Department of Homeland Security has firmly denied these demotion reports. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated unequivocally, "Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties."
McLaughlin referenced earlier supportive comments from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who praised Bovino as a "key part of the president's team and a great American." This defence underscores the administration's continued backing of the commander despite the escalating controversy.
White House Revises Initial Characterisations of Pretti
During Monday's press briefing, Karoline Leavitt spent considerable time walking back initial claims made by senior administration officials regarding Alex Pretti. Earlier, deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller had labelled the victim "a domestic terrorist who tried to assassinate law enforcement." Similarly, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Pretti of perpetrating "the definition of domestic terrorism."
These characterisations have been significantly undermined by video footage from the incident. The footage clearly shows Pretti being shot multiple times in the back after being tackled to the ground by a group of US Border Patrol agents. Pretti had been filming the agents and was disarmed of his gun prior to the shooting, raising serious questions about the use of lethal force.
Political Fallout and Negotiations
Former President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that he had a "very good call" with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. This conversation followed Trump's previous accusations blaming Walz for Pretti's death. Governor Walz posted on social media platform X that the call was "productive," noting that Trump had agreed to consider pulling federal agents out of Minnesota.
Furthermore, Trump committed to discussing with the Department of Homeland Security the possibility of allowing the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to conduct an independent investigation into the shootings by federal agents. This would include the earlier incident this month that resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three.
The unfolding situation continues to develop, with significant implications for immigration policy, federal-state relations, and public trust in law enforcement agencies. The departure of Commander Bovino from Minneapolis represents a pivotal moment in this ongoing and deeply polarising narrative.
