Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino to Leave Minneapolis Amid Deadly Shooting Fallout and Operation Metro Surge Backlash

Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol commander who became the public face of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, is expected to leave the city. This leadership change comes after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by federal immigration agents on Saturday. Pretti was the second U.S. citizen killed by federal officers in Minneapolis this month, following the death of Renee Good in early January.

The shooting of Alex Pretti, who was filming agents, sparked widespread protests and intense criticism from local leaders, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Video evidence from the scene has challenged the initial official account that agents fired in self-defence against an armed individual intent on harming them. President Donald Trump has since struck a more conciliatory tone with state leaders, agreeing to look at reducing the federal agent presence and allowing an independent state investigation.

To replace Bovino on the ground, President Trump is deploying Tom Homan, a former immigration official who will report directly to the White House. The Department of Homeland Security has denied that Bovino has been relieved of his duties, stating he remains a key part of the president's team and will return to his previous role in California. The administration's shift suggests a recalibration of its "Operation Metro Surge" in response to the political and public backlash over the deadly confrontations in Minneapolis.