A senior U.S. Border Patrol official has been reassigned following mounting criticism over his role in the aftermath of a fatal shooting in Minneapolis, an incident that has intensified tensions between federal authorities, state officials, and local leaders.
Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol commander who had been overseeing federal immigration operations in the Minneapolis area, is expected to depart the region along with several agents under his supervision. The move comes days after the January 24 shooting death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse, during an encounter involving federal agents.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Bovino has not been fired, emphasizing that he remains part of the administration’s leadership team. However, officials acknowledged that he is returning to his previous role in California, a shift that sources familiar with the situation describe as a step down from his recent high-profile assignment.
Federal Response and Growing Scrutiny
As Bovino exits Minneapolis, President Donald Trump has sent senior adviser Tom Homan, a longtime immigration enforcement official, to Minnesota to oversee ongoing federal operations. The White House described Homan’s deployment as an effort to stabilize the situation amid rising public concern and political pressure.
Bovino’s handling of the shooting drew sharp criticism after he publicly claimed-without presenting evidence-that Pretti posed a serious threat to agents. Similar assertions from senior DHS officials were later questioned by witnesses and challenged by video footage circulating online. In response to the backlash, DHS restricted Bovino’s access to his social media accounts, where he had previously engaged with critics and commentators.
Investigation and Legal Intervention
The shooting is now under federal review, with Homeland Security Investigations examining whether the agents involved followed internal use-of-force guidelines. Unlike a criminal probe, the review is focused on procedural compliance rather than criminal liability.
State officials, however, have expressed skepticism about the scope and independence of the federal inquiry. Minnesota authorities sought court intervention to preserve evidence related to the incident, resulting in a temporary order preventing federal agencies from altering or destroying materials connected to the case. A judge heard arguments on extending that order earlier this week but has not yet issued a ruling.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has publicly questioned whether federal agencies can fairly investigate themselves, reflecting a broader erosion of trust between state and federal leadership.
Political Fallout and Community Impact
The incident has reverberated across Minnesota’s political landscape. President Trump held separate calls with Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both of whom raised concerns about the scale and conduct of federal operations in the state. City leaders have called for de-escalation and greater transparency, while the White House has continued to place blame on Democratic leadership for unrest following the shooting.
The controversy has also affected state politics. A Republican candidate for governor withdrew from the race, citing discomfort with the federal response and reports of aggressive enforcement tactics affecting minority communities.
Broader Context of Federal Operations
Bovino’s deployment was part of a nationwide immigration enforcement initiative that places Border Patrol agents in major U.S. cities far from the southern border. Court records indicate that thousands of federal agents are currently operating in and around Minneapolis as part of this effort.
Critics argue that the strategy blurs the line between immigration enforcement and local policing, increasing the risk of confrontations with civilians. Supporters, meanwhile, say the operations are necessary to address crime and immigration violations.
Remembering Alex Pretti
Friends and colleagues have described Alex Pretti as a dedicated nurse known for his compassion and commitment to patients, particularly veterans. A fundraising campaign launched to support his family has drawn widespread support from across the country.
As investigations continue and legal challenges move forward, the Minneapolis shooting has become a flashpoint in the national debate over federal law enforcement authority, accountability, and the expanding role of immigration agencies inside U.S. cities.
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