A senior U.S. Border Patrol commander, Gregory Bovino, and some of his agents are expected to leave Minneapolis this week, amid intense criticism and political pressure following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents.
Multiple sources familiar with the matter say Bovino and several Border Patrol officers will depart the Minneapolis–St. Paul area as early as Tuesday. Bovino, who has been closely associated with the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement surge in major U.S. cities, has been a central figure in the backlash against federal immigration tactics.
The move comes as President Donald Trump dispatched border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, a shift seen as part of a broader adjustment to federal enforcement leadership following public outcry and political criticism.
Bovino’s leadership, especially his response to the Pretti shooting and his characterization of the incident, sparked controversy and protests, including nationwide demonstrations. His critics have questioned the federal operation’s tactics and called for independent investigations into the shootings.
According to media reports, Bovino is also expected to return to his prior role at the El Centro, California, sector, where he previously served before being reassigned, and he may soon retire.
While details are still emerging, local officials in Minneapolis have confirmed that a reduction in the federal immigration enforcement presence is underway following calls from city and state leaders to de-escalate the situation.
