Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino to retire, sources say
Gregory Bovino Announces Retirement, Sources Confirm
Two Customs and Border Protection officials informed NBC News that Gregory Bovino, the former head of the U.S. Border Patrol, is set to retire by the end of the month. Bovino had previously held the role of CBP’s national commander, which he vacated in January before returning to his sector chief position in El Centro, California.
Retirement Timing and Role Shift
Bovino’s departure aligns with the timeline of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s final day in office, as announced by President Donald Trump. While serving as national commander, he reported directly to Noem and her senior adviser Corey Lewandowski. He was also within a year of reaching the mandatory retirement age of 57.
Earlier this year, Bovino was reprimanded after two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, died during aggressive immigration operations in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The incidents sparked scrutiny of his tactics, including the use of gas canisters and chemical agents in residential areas.
Controversial Tactics and Legal Challenges
Internal correspondence from Bovino revealed his frustration in Chicago during the fall when he was directed to focus on “targeted” arrests rather than comprehensive enforcement. This approach led to a lawsuit, where plaintiffs claimed he and his agents targeted individuals based on appearance and skin color, and used deceptive methods to encourage voluntary departures from the country.
“Border Patrol enforcement actions are highly targeted. 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.
Before his national role, Bovino faced legal action in California’s Kern County for similar tactics, including detaining agricultural workers and seizing people from their homes. His methods in Los Angeles, such as sudden raids in parking lots, triggered protests and prompted Trump to deploy the National Guard and Marines.
High-Profile Incidents and Public Backlash
Bovino’s aggressive style was highlighted in media campaigns, with his image used in promotional materials to emphasize the administration’s hardline immigration stance. However, his actions in Minneapolis drew criticism after two officers shot Good and Pretti, though it remains unclear whether both were struck by gunfire. In one notable incident, he claimed to have thrown a gas canister after being hit by a rock, but video evidence later disproved his account.
His leadership of Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis was linked to the deaths, prompting a federal judge to reprimand him for repeatedly asserting false claims about immigrant threats. The judge cited instances where chemical agents were used in violation of orders, leading to legal confrontations with the administration.
Previously, Bovino was accused of employing tactics that disrupted communities, such as surprise raids and confrontational methods. These actions have been a point of contention, with critics arguing they exacerbated tensions and led to civilian casualties.
Transition and Future Implications
As the administration transitions leadership, Bovino’s retirement marks the end of an era characterized by intensified immigration enforcement. His role in shaping the agency’s approach during Trump’s presidency will remain a focal point of debate, particularly regarding the balance between security and community relations.
I am NBC News’ Senior Homeland Security Correspondent. Suzanne Gamboa is a national reporter for NBC News.
