UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, former Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino has been ousted following the fatal shooting of VA ICU nurse Alex Pretti. The decision comes amidst rising public outcry and political pressure, marking a significant shift in leadership at a critical time.
Bovino, who was serving in an informal role as “commander-at-large,” is now making a controversial cross-country drive back to his former base in California. While Tom Homan, dubbed Trump’s “border czar,” has been dispatched to Minneapolis to manage the fallout, Bovino’s journey signals both a physical and professional retreat from the immigration crackdown efforts in the north.
As of Tuesday evening, Bovino was confirmed to have checked into a hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota. He paused there for a video message, which he recorded against the backdrop of the iconic Mount Rushmore. In the video shared by conservative influencer Nick Sortor, Bovino attempted to bolster the morale of his agents, despite his dismissal. “Team, behind me are a few individuals there. That’s the original ‘Turn and Burn’, the folks that help make America,” he stated, gesturing towards the sculptures of past presidents.
Bovino expressed pride in his team, controversially comparing them to the figures immortalized at the monument. This statement comes as scrutiny increases regarding the conduct of federal agents under his command, especially after the recent tragic events involving Pretti.
The atmosphere in Minneapolis has been volatile since January 7, 2023, following the death of a local mother. However, tensions escalated dramatically when Pretti was shot during an altercation as he intervened between federal officers and a woman in distress. The incident, captured on video, shows Pretti being attacked by federal agents before he was fatally shot while unarmed.
In the aftermath, two Border Patrol agents have been placed on a three-day administrative leave, and reports indicate Bovino’s exit was a “mutual decision.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has yet to comment on the circumstances surrounding his departure, leaving many questions unanswered.
As Bovino’s convoy continued westward into Wyoming, the reception was mixed. A local resident, Megan Pope, captured video footage of Bovino’s convoy leaving a hotel, where he was seen carrying a rifle and waving to onlookers. Reports of disturbances during his stop in Rock Springs, Wyoming, prompted the dispatch of Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers to address a small protest that obstructed federal officers’ vehicles.
Bovino’s controversial journey has drawn attention not only for its political ramifications but also for the implications it has for federal law enforcement’s public image. As Tom Homan steps in to quell unrest, all eyes are on how the situation will unfold in Minneapolis and whether further actions will be taken against those involved in Pretti’s death.
The situation remains fluid, with many awaiting further developments and potential statements from the DHS. Bovino’s journey back to California may just be the beginning of a broader discussion about accountability and reform within federal law enforcement.
As this story continues to evolve, the implications for immigration policy and public safety remain paramount, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and justice in the wake of tragedy. Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops.
