U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino and a contingent of agents are set to depart Minneapolis as early as Tuesday, January 27, 2026, following escalating tensions over the fatal shooting of American citizen Alex Pretti. Local media reports indicate the move comes amid internal frustration within the Biden administration regarding the handling of the incident by Bovino and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Sources cited by CNN revealed that Bovino, who spearheaded former President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota, drew criticism for asserting without evidence that Pretti intended to "massacre" federal agents. Noem further inflamed tensions by labeling Pretti a "domestic terrorist" and alleging he brandished a firearm—claims unsupported by publicly available video evidence.
The leadership shuffle coincides with Trump's announcement of dispatching White House border advisor Tom Homan to oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized Bovino will retain his national role while Homan assumes on-the-ground coordination in Minneapolis.
This development highlights ongoing challenges in U.S. immigration enforcement strategies and their intersection with public accountability measures. Observers note the incident may influence policy debates as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
