The US Department of Homeland Security denies reports that Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino was removed, despite scrutiny over fatal shootings in Minneapolis.
WASHINGTON: The US Department of Homeland Security has denied a report that Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino was removed from his post.
This comes as President Donald Trump reassesses harsh immigration crackdown tactics linked to two American deaths in Minneapolis.
“Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties,” DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on X.
She reiterated that Bovino “is a key part of the President’s team and a great American.”
The denial follows an article by The Atlantic magazine reporting Bovino was removed as Border Patrol commander at large.
The publication cited a DHS official and two people with knowledge of the alleged demotion.
Bovino’s reported removal would signify a dramatic shift from aggressive tactics used in Minneapolis.
Border Patrol agents there shot and killed 37-year-old intensive-care nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday.
Bovino has been in Minneapolis for much of January, seen wearing military gear and acting aggressively with locals.
He was also seen throwing a smoke canister at protesters.
Trump appeared to soften his tone in a series of Truth Social posts on Monday.
He said he had productive phone conversations with elected officials in Minnesota.
After his call with Trump, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey posted that “some federal agents” will begin leaving the city on Tuesday.
He did not provide specifics or mention Bovino.
Minneapolis residents have been angry since Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot protester Renee Good on January 7.
Good was a 37-year-old American citizen and mother of three.
More rallies erupted in Minneapolis, New York and other major cities after Pretti was killed on Saturday.
Trump said he was sending his “border czar” Tom Homan to Minnesota to report directly to him.
Frey posted that he would meet with Homan on Tuesday “to further discuss next steps.”
