Gregory Bovino is stepping down from his post in Minneapolis amid national backlash over two shooting deaths by federal agents.
At a Glance
- Gregory Bovino will return to his California command after leaving Minneapolis.
- President Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan, will take on on-the-ground leadership.
- Two ICE shootings, involving Alex Pretti and Renee Good, sparked protests and accusations of misconduct.
- Why it matters: The move signals a shift in federal enforcement strategy in a city that has become a flashpoint for immigration policy.
After a brief introductory paragraph, the article dives into the details surrounding the incidents, the responses from officials, and the implications of the leadership change.
Background of the Incident
On Jan. 27, multiple outlets reported that Gregory Bovino, then the commander of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Minneapolis, would leave the city in the coming days. The decision followed two high-profile shootings by ICE officers that left a 37-year-old ICU nurse, Alex Pretti, and a 37-year-old mother of three, Renee Good, dead.
The shootings occurred in close succession, with Good’s death occurring two weeks before Pretti’s. Both incidents drew nationwide attention and protests in Minneapolis.
Bovino’s Response
Bovino, 55, had been the face of the Minneapolis ICE operation during the recent controversies. He defended his officers’ actions in several statements:
- “This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement,” he said, despite video evidence showing Pretti holding a cell phone, not a gun.
- He joined Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in accusing Pretti of attempting to attack agents.
Bovino also faced criticism for his public appearances. He marched alongside ICE officers in an army-green greatcoat that drew comparisons to Nazi uniforms. In a Jan. 26 press conference, he warned against calling law enforcement “Gestapo” or “kidnapping,” stating, “Calling law enforcement names like Gestapo, or using the term ‘kidnapping,’ that is a choice that is made. There are actions and consequences that come from those choices.”
Leadership Changes
The Atlantic reported that Bovino will return to his post in El Centro, Calif., where he serves as Commander Op At Large of that sector. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin clarified on X that Bovino has not been relieved of his duties:
> “Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties. As @PressSec stated from the White House podium, @CMDROpAtLargeCA is a key part of the President’s team and a great American.”
With Bovino’s departure, President Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan, will become the on-the-ground point person in Minneapolis and will report directly to him.
Trump’s Involvement
On Jan. 26, Trump announced via Truth Social that Homan would be sent to Minnesota:
> “I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me.”
Trump also promised to continue cracking down on the “20 Billion Dollar, Plus, Welfare Fraud that has taken place in Minnesota” and the finances of Rep. Ilhan Omar. He later posted that he had “successful” calls with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, indicating progress.
Despite the leadership shuffle, Trump defended ICE in a Jan. 20 interview about Good’s death:
> “They’re gonna make mistakes sometimes. ICE is gonna be too rough with somebody or-you know, they’re dealing with rough people. They’re gonna make a mistake sometimes. It can happen.”
Reactions and Statements
The incidents sparked a wave of protests across Minneapolis, with activists calling for accountability and reforms in federal immigration enforcement. The city’s mayor and state officials expressed concern over the use of force by federal agents.
Bovino’s public statements were met with mixed reactions. While some praised his defense of officers, others criticized the narrative that the victims were threats. The comparison of his attire to Nazi uniforms intensified calls for a review of ICE’s public image.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 15, 2026 | Bovino photographed with agents in Minneapolis. |
| Jan. 20 | Trump defends ICE on national media. |
| Jan. 26 | Trump announces Homan’s deployment to Minnesota. |
| Jan. 27 | Reports surface that Bovino will leave Minneapolis. |
| Jan. 28 | Bovino confirmed to return to El Centro, Calif. |
Key Takeaways
- Gregory Bovino‘s departure marks a significant shift in federal enforcement strategy in Minneapolis.
- President Trump’s appointment of Tom Homan indicates a more direct oversight approach.
- The shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good continue to fuel national debate over ICE’s use of force and accountability.
- The leadership change may affect future policy implementation and community relations in the region.
The article ends with a concise summary of the implications of these developments for the federal immigration enforcement landscape.
