In the wake of ongoing tensions in Minnesota, the Trump administration demoted Border Patrol commander at large Gregory Bovino of his national duties yesterday, forcing him to return to his California post.
Reports say Bovino, who was a focal figure in the state’s immigration crackdown, is now expected to leave Minneapolis with several Border Patrol agents this week amid growing backlash over enforcement tactics that ignited protests and political fury in the state.
Bovino’s reassignment comes just hours after President Donald Trump announced that he was dispatching Border Czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis, which has been consumed by unrest after the Saturday killing of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent.
Bovino has also been suspended from accessing his official social media accounts, a move confirmed by a source within Homeland Security, CNN reports.
Bovino’s suspension comes after a string of aggressive posts by Bovino defending Border Patrol actions and trading barbs with critics online following Pretti’s death — behavior that drew attention from lawmakers and media alike.
However, insiders from inside Homeland Security are disputing Bovino’s demotion.
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin pushed back on rumors that Bovino was “relieved of duty,” insisting that he remains employed and will continue to be a part of the agency’s leadership nationally. McLaughlin described Bovino as “a key part of the President’s team” in an X post.
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
Trump’s move could de-escalate tensions and violence in Minnesota, but it could also be the beginning of cracks beginning to form within his administration.
According to a report from the New York Times, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanded a two-hour meeting with Trump in the Oval Office late Monday after she was sidelined amid backlash over her handling of the latest deadly shooting in Minneapolis by ICE agents.
Trump held the crisis talks with Noem after he revealed Border Czar Tom Homan was headed to take charge of Homeland Security efforts in Minneapolis after protester Alex Pretti was killed, the Times reported.
Noem has faced widespread criticism after she was quick to brand Pretti a “domestic terrorist” who had charged at officers while brandishing a gun.
Trump, however, didn’t suggest Noem’s job was in jeopardy during the contentious meeting, sources told the Times.
The shift in onsite leadership also comes after Trump touted a “very good” phone call with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who will meet with Homan today.
“I just had a very good telephone conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey, of Minneapolis,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Lots of progress is being made!
“Tom Homan will be meeting with him tomorrow in order to continue the discussion.”
Frey, a Democrat, said he “appreciated the conversation” with Trump.
“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 mayor wrote on X.
“The president agreed the present situation can’t continue,” Frey said.
“Some federal agents will begin leaving the area tomorrow, and I will continue pushing for the rest involved in this operation to go,” he continued.
This is a developing story. Check back for further updates.