The Department of Homeland Security has responded to rumors regarding the termination of Gregory Bovino following the shooting incident involving Alex Pretti.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has come under scrutiny for their actions in various US cities, with criticism intensifying after the shootings of two American citizens.
Earlier this year, Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer during a demonstration, and more recently, Alex Pretti was also shot and killed over the past weekend.
These incidents have sparked increased demands for accountability, with many arguing that both deaths could have been avoided.
In the aftermath of Pretti’s shooting, Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino asserted that the agents acted appropriately and were the ones at risk, a statement that contrasts with much of the public discourse surrounding the event.
Despite circulating reports that Bovino has been dismissed, it’s being claimed that border Tsar Tom Homan is set to arrive in the city to manage the situation firsthand.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary to the Department of Homeland Security, refuted claims of Bovino’s dismissal.
On X, she stated: “Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties. As press secretary [Karoline Leavitt] stated from the White House podium, [Gregory Bovino] is a key part of the President’s team and a great American.”
There are reports suggesting a potential withdrawal of some immigration agents from the city, but specifics regarding timing remain unclear.
In a conversation with the Wall Street Journal, Trump mentioned: “At some point, we will leave. We’ve done, they’ve done a phenomenal job. We’ll leave a different group of people there for the financial fraud.”
Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties. As @PressSec stated from the White House podium, @CMDROpAtLargeCA is a key part of the President’s team and a great American. https://t.co/qj3E9B8uzg
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) January 27, 2026
This statement pertains to ongoing investigations into suspected welfare fraud within the state.
Subsequently, Trump shared on Truth Social that progress was being made in Minneapolis.
He wrote: “I just had a very good telephone conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey, of Minneapolis. Lots of progress is being made! Tom Homan will be meeting with him tomorrow in order to continue the discussion.”
Following his discussion with Trump, Frey confirmed that some federal officers would soon be departing the city, with some slated to leave as early as Tuesday.
On January 6, he posted on X: “I spoke with President Trump today and appreciated the conversation. I expressed how much Minneapolis has benefited from our immigrant communities and was clear that my main ask is that Operation Metro Surge needs to end. The president agreed the present situation can’t continue.
“Some federal agents will begin leaving the area tomorrow, and I will continue pushing for the rest involved in this operation to go.”