A senior US immigration official has been removed from his post following two deadly shootings involving federal agents during immigration raids in Minnesota. Gregory Bovino, the commander of US Border Patrol in the state, has been reassigned to his former role as head of the El Centro sector on the US-Mexico border in California. The move comes after the killings of activists Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents, which sparked widespread protests and public outcry.
The incidents have led to increased scrutiny of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, with many criticizing the use of force by federal agents. President Donald Trump has announced that White House border czar Tom Homan will be sent to Minneapolis to oversee immigration enforcement operations. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has stated that some federal agents will be leaving the city, but did not specify whether this includes Bovino.
Bovino’s departure follows reports that Trump was unhappy with how he and US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem handled the fallout from Pretti’s killing. Noem had made statements defending the agents involved, which were criticized as premature. Bovino had also faced criticism for his online comments about the shootings, including a claim that Pretti was armed and intended to “massacre law enforcement.” However, video footage appears to show Pretti holding a phone before he was tackled and shot, and it is unclear whether he posed a threat to the agents.
The Department of Homeland Security has locked Bovino out of his social media accounts, effective immediately, following his online sparring with lawmakers over the shootings. Despite his transfer, Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has stated that Bovino remains a key part of the President’s team. Protests have continued in Minneapolis, with 26 people arrested overnight outside a hotel where Bovino was believed to be staying.
The removal of Bovino from his post is likely to be seen as an attempt to address the growing controversy surrounding the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The use of force by federal agents has been a major point of contention, with many arguing that it is excessive and unjustified. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to the ongoing criticism and protests.
