Trump reshuffles immigration enforcement as Border Patrol commander Bovino prepares to exit Minneapolis.
Minneapolis, Minnesota — Senior U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino is set to leave Minneapolis as President Donald Trump’s administration reshuffles leadership in its contentious immigration enforcement operations, officials and media sources report.
Bovino, who has overseen the federal crackdown known as Operation Metro Surge in major cities including Minneapolis, is expected to depart the city as early as Tuesday amid mounting criticism and political pressure over federal tactics and two recent fatal shootings involving federal agents.
According to U.S. administration officials familiar with the plans, Bovino and some Border Patrol agents will begin leaving Minneapolis later in the week as part of a broader reduction of federal personnel in the region. The move comes after extensive protests and public backlash following the shooting deaths of ICU nurse Alex Pretti and a protester, which sparked national outrage and legal challenges.
Bovino, who became the public face of the Trump-era immigration enforcement surge, drew fierce condemnation from local leaders, civil rights advocates, and community members for his hardline approach and comments defending federal agents’ actions. His leadership style had made him a polarizing figure in the debate over federal versus local control of immigration enforcement.
In response, the White House is placing former ICE acting director Tom Homan in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota, with Homan expected to report directly to President Trump as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions and reshape the federal strategy in the region.
The decision to shift leadership comes alongside broader diplomatic engagement with Minnesota officials. Trump on Monday touted a “productive” telephone conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, and Frey confirmed that some federal agents would begin withdrawing from the city as the two sides seek common ground.
Local officials, including Frey, have repeatedly called for a reduction in the federal presence in Minneapolis, arguing that heavy-handed enforcement has exacerbated tensions and undermined trust in law enforcement after the controversial shootings.
The reaction to Bovino’s impending departure remains mixed. Supporters of the crackdown say federal enforcement remains essential to target serious criminal activity, while critics see the leadership change as a necessary step toward restoring community confidence and aligning federal operations more closely with constitutional and public safety concerns.
As the transition unfolds, Trump’s renewed approach — including the installation of Homan — signals an attempt to balance immigration enforcement with political and public pressure, though federal operations in Minnesota and nationwide continue to face scrutiny and legal challenges.
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