Gregory Bovino, the former "commander-at-large" of the U.S. Border Patrol, retired this week amid controversy over his aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. In an interview with The New York Times, Bovino expressed no remorse for his methods and even wished he had arrested more undocumented immigrants.
Key Takeaways
Gregory Bovino, former U.S. Border Patrol 'commander-at-large,' retired amid controversy over his aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. He expressed no remorse in a New York Times interview, wishing he had arrested more undocumented immigrants.
- Bovino was removed from his position after fatal shootings of two American citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis
- Known for hardline approach including use of pepper gas canisters and high-speed operations
- Criticized Trump's 'softer touch' on immigration enforcement and made unsubstantiated bribery claims against border czar Tom Homan
- Civil rights groups and Democratic politicians, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized his tactics
Bovino was removed from his position in January following the fatal shootings of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal agents in Minneapolis. He returned to his previous role as a sector chief in California before retiring. During his tenure, Bovino became known for his hardline approach, including the use of pepper gas canisters and high-speed operations aimed at quickly apprehending undocumented immigrants.
In his interview with The New York Times, Bovino criticized what he perceived as a "softer touch" advocated by President Trump since his departure. He also took aim at Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, over allegations of receiving a $50,000 bribe. The Department of Justice investigated these claims and found no credible evidence of wrongdoing.
Bovino's tactics and statements have drawn significant criticism from civil rights groups and Democratic politicians. California Governor Gavin Newsom compared Bovino's dark green double-breasted coat to Nazi SS garb. Despite the backlash, Bovino remains unapologetic about his actions and plans to focus on conservation efforts in retirement.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Bovino's aggressive tactics included helicopter invasions of apartment complexes, tear gas canisters thrown into large crowds, defying court orders, and glamorous photo shoots. These actions treated immigrant neighborhoods like military theaters and quickly earned him a promotion from El Centro sector chief to Border Patrol commander at large.
Bovino's highly visible operations alienated previously apolitical Americans and mobilized opposition across multiple fronts, including social media, courts, and grassroots activism. This ultimately eroded public support for enforcement actions rather than advancing the administration's immigration agenda. The Los Angeles Times also noted that Bovino's departure is seen as beneficial for Republicans' electoral prospects, having alienated Latino voters who supported Trump in 2016.
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