Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, known for his role in President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement operations, has been reassigned to his prior post in El Centro, California, and stripped of his government social media accounts. This decision comes in the wake of Bovino's extensive online defense of a fatal shooting by federal officers in Minneapolis involving 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
Bovino's return to El Centro, where he is expected to soon retire, was confirmed by a Homeland Security official and two knowledgeable sources. The reassignment directive was issued by Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott, who also ordered the revocation of Bovino's access to government social media platforms, following over 40 tweets from Bovino regarding the incident.
The shooting of Pretti, who was unarmed at the time, has sparked controversy and calls for independent investigations. During the weekend, Bovino posted multiple tweets insisting, "don't assault federal officers," in response to posts highlighting Pretti's background. His social media engagement included exchanges with both Republican and Democrat elected officials, as well as author Stephen King, emphasizing that assaulting officers was not a protected right and defending the actions of the agents involved.
Following a temporary cessation of activity on Bovino's social media account, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that Bovino remains a "key part of the president's team" and has not been terminated. The personnel change is part of a larger reorganization within the Trump administration, directed by Border Czar Tom Homan, who is traveling to Minneapolis in the wake of the incident.
President Trump, who has been monitoring the situation closely, arranged a meeting between Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Homan. This reassignment of Bovino appears to be an attempt to alleviate tensions between federal agents and demonstrators, which escalated after Pretti's death.
The White House, particularly through press secretary Karoline Leavitt, has distanced itself from comments made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who labeled Pretti a "domestic terrorist." Leavitt clarified that Noem's remarks did not reflect the President's stance.
Bovino's online statements and the subsequent reaction have highlighted the administration's approach to managing public perception during crises. His advocacy for the involved agents and his loyalty to Noem and Corey Lewandowski, who have considered him a potential successor to Rodney Scott, have been met with criticism from various quarters.
The incident has ignited a debate over the use of force by law enforcement, the right to bear arms, and the role of government officials in public discourse. As the administration continues to address the fallout, the reassignment of Bovino represents a significant development in the ongoing narrative surrounding the Trump administration's immigration policies and law enforcement practices.
