Who Is Gregory Bovino? Border Patrol Commander Reportedly Demoted After Alex Pretti Shooting Sparks Minneapolis Unrest

US Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has reportedly been demoted following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, sparking widespread unrest. The Department of Homeland Security denies the claims, asserting Bovino remains a key figure in President Trump's immigration enforcement team.

Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and US citizen with only traffic tickets on his record, was killed on 24 January during an immigration operation, the second such incident involving Americans in Minnesota this month. The shooting has united critics in calling for investigations and transparency, with videos contradicting official accounts.

Who is Gregory Bovino?

Gregory Bovino, 55, grew up in North Carolina. He joined the US Border Patrol in 1996. His 30-year career has taken him from frontline border enforcement to international assignments, including in Honduras and Africa. In 2020, he took charge of the El Centro sector in southern California.

Temporarily relieved in 2023 after criticising Biden's border policies, he was reinstated under Trump. In 2025, he became commander-at-large, directing operations in Democratic-led cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Minneapolis.

Bovino is known for his spotlight-loving style, appearing in tactical gear, and engaging in online feuds with critics. He has been the public face of Trump's aggressive tactics, leading to over 3,400 arrests.

The Alex Pretti Shooting

The killing unfolded at 9:03am on 24 January near Nicollet Avenue and East 26th Street in south Minneapolis. Eyewitness videos depict Pretti, a lawful gun owner with a permit, filming federal agents during a raid. A woman trying to assist was shoved to the ground. Pretti was sprayed with irritant, tackled by several agents, and struck.

An agent seized Pretti's handgun. Ten shots were fired in less than five seconds, resulting in his death. DHS insists the agents acted in self-defence, claiming Pretti arrived to inflict damage. Footage shows Pretti holding only his phone at first, challenging the narrative. This follows the 7 January shooting of Renee Good.

The killing has renewed national uproar. Protests surged, condemning excessive force. Investigations by the FBI, DHS, and CBP are ongoing, with body camera footage preserved. Bovino initially praised the agents but later urged 'stop speculating and wait for an investigation'.

Gregory Bovino Demoted?

On 26 January, sources reported Bovino's removal from his commander-at-large position, with a return to El Centro described as a demotion amid White House frustration. His official social media access has been suspended following criticism of his statements. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on X: 'Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties.' She praised him as 'a key part of the President's team and a great American'.

Trump has consulted Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, deploying Tom Homan to take over. Activists and Democrats applaud the shift. An Instagram post noted 'The dominos are beginning to fall', with comments on Bovino's reassignment to El Centro.

As of 27 January 2026, multiple probes continue amid ongoing protests in Minneapolis. Senate Democrats are poised to oppose DHS funding, heightening shutdown risks. The administration hints at scaling back agents, but national divisions over immigration enforcement deepen, with polling showing eroding support.