Greg Bovino has made his first public remarks since being removed from his position as Border Patrol “commander at large” in Minnesota, delivering a forceful statement defending Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and the operations carried out under his leadership during a period of heightened tension and violence in the state.
Bovino’s removal followed weeks of mounting controversy surrounding federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. The situation intensified after a series of confrontations between Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and members of the public, culminating in two fatal shootings involving U.S. citizens earlier this year.
Tensions have remained elevated since the beginning of the year, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents increased their presence across Minnesota. The operations focused on identifying and detaining individuals suspected of being in the United States without proper authorization. These efforts sparked widespread public backlash, with protests erupting in multiple locations and clashes occurring between demonstrators and federal agents.
The unrest escalated following two deadly incidents. On January 7, U.S. citizen Renee Good was fatally shot during an encounter involving ICE agents. Less than three weeks later, on January 24, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, was shot multiple times and killed during a separate incident involving federal agents. Both deaths intensified scrutiny of ICE tactics and the leadership overseeing the operations.
Throughout this period, Bovino repeatedly defended the conduct of ICE agents and publicly supported explanations offered by senior figures within the Trump administration regarding the circumstances surrounding the shootings. His statements placed him at the center of growing criticism from civil rights advocates, community leaders, and members of the public who questioned the use of force and accountability measures.
Earlier this week, a senior Trump administration official confirmed that Bovino was leaving Minnesota, along with several agents who had been deployed under his command. Reports indicated that Bovino would be reassigned to his previous role as chief patrol agent in California’s El Centro sector along the U.S.-Mexico border.
President Trump subsequently announced that Tom Homan, referred to by the administration as the “border tsar,” would take over oversight of operations in Minnesota. Homan was tasked with leading efforts under an initiative known as Operation Metro Surge and was instructed to report directly to the president.
Bovino’s removal appeared closely linked to the shooting of Alex Pretti, which had generated widespread outrage and renewed debate over federal law enforcement conduct. In the aftermath of that incident, Bovino echoed assertions made by several senior administration officials, suggesting that Pretti posed a serious threat to agents prior to his death.
“This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement,” Bovino said following the shooting.
Subsequent video footage contradicted key elements of that narrative. Visual evidence showed Pretti holding a mobile phone rather than a firearm at the time he was confronted by agents. While Pretti was carrying a 9mm handgun earlier in the encounter, records indicated that he had been pepper-sprayed, restrained, and disarmed before he was shot.
Despite the controversy surrounding the incident and his subsequent removal from Minnesota, Bovino maintained a firm stance in support of the agents under his command.
In a video posted to X late Wednesday, Bovino delivered his first public message since being relieved of his duties in Minnesota. The recording featured Bovino standing before Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, a backdrop that underscored the patriotic tone of his remarks.
Addressing ICE agents directly, Bovino offered words of solidarity and encouragement.
“I love you, I support you, and I salute you,” he said.
He continued by reinforcing his commitment to those he led during the Minnesota deployment.
“I’ve got your back, now and always.”
Bovino also praised the efforts of ICE agents involved in the operations that sparked national attention and controversy. Referring to the group as the “Mean Green Machine,” he expressed pride in their actions both in Minnesota and across the country.
“I’m very proud of what you, the Mean Green Machine, are doing in Minneapolis right now, just like you’ve done it across the United States over these past tough nine months… It makes me very proud,” he said.
The remarks underscored Bovino’s unwavering support for federal immigration enforcement personnel, even as public criticism and political pressure mounted. His comments did not directly address the specific findings of video evidence or the concerns raised by the families of those killed, instead focusing on morale and loyalty within the ranks.
Bovino, 55, has had a long career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, holding several senior leadership roles along the southern border prior to his deployment to Minnesota. His assignment as “commander at large” was intended to bolster enforcement efforts during a period of increased immigration activity and political focus on border security and internal enforcement.
The Minnesota deployment marked a significant shift in federal strategy, bringing border-style enforcement operations into a Midwestern state far from the U.S.-Mexico border. This approach drew sharp criticism from local officials and advocacy groups, who argued that the tactics heightened fear within communities and increased the likelihood of violent confrontations.
The shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti became focal points in the debate, fueling protests and calls for independent investigations. Demonstrators accused federal authorities of excessive force and demanded greater transparency and accountability.
Within this charged environment, Bovino’s public defense of ICE agents and alignment with the administration’s narrative placed him under intense scrutiny. His eventual removal was widely viewed as an effort to de-escalate tensions and reset leadership amid ongoing unrest.
The decision to replace Bovino with Tom Homan signaled a continuation, rather than a retreat, of aggressive enforcement policies. Homan’s mandate included direct oversight of Operation Metro Surge and close coordination with the White House, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to its immigration agenda despite public opposition.
As Bovino transitions back to his role in California, the impact of his tenure in Minnesota continues to reverberate. The incidents that occurred under his leadership remain central to discussions about federal law enforcement authority, use of force, and the balance between immigration enforcement and civil liberties.
Bovino’s statement from Mount Rushmore offered a clear message of loyalty to ICE agents and an unyielding defense of their actions. It also highlighted the deep divisions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, divisions that have been sharply exposed by recent events in Minnesota.