DHS weighs in on report that Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino was ousted

The Department of Homeland Security denied a report Monday that US Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino had been removed from his post.

Washington DC - The Department of Homeland Security denied a report Monday that US Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino had been removed from his post, despite President Donald Trump reassessing harsh immigration crackdown tactics that led to the deaths of two Americans in Minneapolis.

US Customs and Border Patrol Commander at Large Gregory Bovino speaks during a news conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 25, 2026.  © BRANDON BELL / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP Photo by BRANDON BELL / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

"Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties," DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on X, reiterating the White House messaging that Bovino "is a key part of the President's team and a great American."

The comments follow an article by The Atlantic magazine which reported that Bovino had been removed from his role as Border Patrol commander at large and will return to his previous department job in California.

The publication sourced the reporting to a DHS official and two people with knowledge of the demotion.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Marjorie Taylor Greene says Trump is leading US "into civil war" after Minneapolis ICE shooting

Bovino's removal, if confirmed, would signify a dramatic shift in Trump's approach to the aggressive tactics being used in Minneapolis, where Border Patrol agents on Saturday shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive-care nurse.

For much of January, Bovino has been in Minnesota's largest city, where he has been seen wearing military gear and a helmet, acting aggressively with locals, and even throwing a smoke canister at protesters.

Ad

Trump shifts tone toward Minnesota as protests continue

Flowers, signs and momentos are left at a makeshift memorial in the area where Alex Pretti was shot dead by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 26, 2026.  © Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP

Trump on Monday appeared to soften his own tone, saying in a series of Truth Social posts that he had had productive phone conversations with elected officials in the state.

After his call with Trump, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey posted on X that "some federal agents" will begin leaving the city on Tuesday, without providing specifics or mentioning Bovino.

Minneapolis residents have seethed with anger since January 7 when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot protester Renee Good, a 37-year-old American citizen and mother of three.

Politicians Graham Platner slams political establishment after Alex Pretti killing: "No one is coming to save us"

After Pretti was killed on Saturday, more rallies erupted on the weekend in Minneapolis, New York, and other major cities.

Trump said he was sending his "border czar" Tom Homan to Minnesota, and that he would report directly to the president.

Frey posted that he would meet with Homan on Tuesday "to further discuss next steps."

More on Migration: