Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino to retire, sources say
Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino to Retire, Sources Say
Gregory Bovino, the former head of the U.S. Border Patrol, has announced his retirement, according to two Customs and Border Protection officials. The decision comes as he steps down from his national command role, which he held since January, and returns to his position as sector chief in El Centro, California. His departure aligns with the timeline for Kristi Noem’s final day as Homeland Security Secretary, a role Trump had previously highlighted.
Controversies and Leadership Shifts
Bovino’s removal from the national command followed incidents in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Los Angeles, including the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. His retirement coincides with the announcement of Noem’s tenure ending, marking a significant transition within the administration. As commander, Bovino reported directly to Noem and her senior adviser, Corey Lewandowski. He was also nearing the mandatory retirement age of 57, with one year remaining before eligibility.
Legal Challenges and Enforcement Tactics
Bovino faced scrutiny over his aggressive methods, which included deploying gas canisters into protest crowds. This led to a lawsuit in Chicago, where he was accused of using chemical agents in residential areas, violating a court order. A federal judge criticized him for repeatedly misrepresenting threats, such as claiming he threw a gas canister after being struck by a rock. Video evidence later contradicted that statement.
“When we discover any alleged or potential misconduct, we immediately refer it for investigation and cooperate fully with any criminal or administrative investigations,” said a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson in response to the lawsuit.
Earlier, Bovino had overseen sweeping arrests in Los Angeles, targeting immigrants at workplaces and residences. This sparked protests and prompted Trump to deploy the National Guard and Marines. Similar tactics were also applied in New Orleans, Charlotte, and other parts of North Carolina. Before his national role, he was sued in Kern County, California, for targeting agricultural workers, with allegations of discrimination based on appearance and skin color.
Good, 37, was fatally shot by an ICE officer on January 7 during a vehicle encounter. Pretti, also 37, died on January 24 after being fired upon by two CBP officers, though the report remains unclear about the exact number of shots that hit him. The incidents have fueled ongoing debates about the balance between immigration enforcement and public safety.
