Greg Bovino, the former US border patrol chief who led a deportation operation in Minneapolis, has publicly defended the controversial operation while criticizing the Trump administration’s subsequent decision to withdraw agents from the city. Speaking to the BBC, Bovino characterized the pullback as a “surrender” by the administration and expressed regret that the operation had not been more extensive, saying he wished agents had apprehended additional individuals.
Bovino was removed from his position following the fatal shootings of US citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti during the operation in January. Both incidents were recorded on video and prompted bipartisan criticism and widespread protests. President Donald Trump subsequently announced a de-escalation effort, withdrawing approximately 700 immigration agents from Minneapolis. The Good family has since filed civil lawsuits against the Trump administration, naming Bovino and the agent responsible for the shooting as defendants and alleging wrongful death and conspiracy to interfere with civil rights.
When asked about the legal action, Bovino indicated he was not responding to the lawsuit and dismissed it by noting that litigation is commonplace. The family’s legal representatives countered that Bovino was “spewing propaganda” and stated they anticipated depositions with him and other defendants. A White House spokesperson previously dismissed the lawsuits as “baseless.”
During a campaign appearance in Detroit focused on immigration enforcement, Bovino claimed his agents were the “real victims” and asserted they faced unprecedented violence. He rejected BBC questioning about how agents handled the shootings, maintaining that video evidence did not undermine the claim that the individuals posed a threat. Bovino later stated he has retired from the border patrol and has gained attention for extreme immigration positions, including claims without evidence that millions should be deported and suggestions involving large-scale deportation logistics.
Bovino has also indicated he is considering a presidential campaign in 2028, suggesting he might pursue such a path if elected officials fail to implement stricter immigration measures.
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