Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino has publicly stated that his security detail was withdrawn following his retirement, despite what he describes as ongoing death threats. Bovino made the claim during an interview with conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson, aired Wednesday, asserting that he believes the Trump administration sought to "silence" him. The White House has dismissed his remarks as "absurd."
Immediate Actions & Core Facts
Bovino, who led enforcement operations in Minnesota under Operation Metro Surge, retired in March 2026 after federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in the state. He served in his role from October 2025 to January 2026, when he was reassigned following public backlash. Bovino alleges that his security detail was removed shortly after his departure from government service, a move he attributes to efforts to suppress his public statements.
The White House responded to Bovino’s claims via a statement to media outlets, calling his allegations "absurd." Bovino did not provide specific evidence linking the administration to the removal of his security detail but stated that he believes CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott and White House "Border Czar" Thomas Homan were involved in the decision. He clarified that he does not believe President Donald Trump personally sought his harm.
Deeper Context & Related Developments
Bovino’s tenure coincided with controversial enforcement actions in Minnesota, including the use of tear gas against protesters, which drew legal scrutiny. His leadership of Operation Metro Surge ended in April 2026 after the deaths of Alex Pretti, 37, and Renée Good, 37, two U.S. citizens. These incidents sparked growing opposition to the administration’s immigration enforcement policies, according to polling cited by multiple sources.
In the interview, Bovino described receiving a surge of death threats during and after his tenure, prompting the FBI to intercept mail containing threats. He also accused media outlets of "doxxing" him, naming WBTV-3 (Charlotte, North Carolina) as one perpetrator. Family members of Bovino reportedly received threats as well. Bovino stated that he believes the removal of his security detail was intended to leave him vulnerable to these threats.
Official Responses & Policy Shifts
The White House’s dismissal of Bovino’s claims came amid broader shifts in immigration enforcement strategy. President Trump, who previously distanced himself from Bovino by describing him as "a pretty out there kind of guy," later called for a "softer touch" on immigration enforcement. Trump’s remarks followed the Minnesota incidents and subsequent public backlash.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott, named by Bovino as a key figure in the alleged effort to silence him, has not publicly addressed the specific allegations. The agency has not provided details on the rationale behind the removal of Bovino’s security detail, which occurred months after his retirement.
Broader Implications
Bovino’s claims raise questions about the treatment of former officials who publicly criticize administration policies. His interview with Carlson, which has garnered over two million views on X (formerly Twitter), underscores the ongoing political and legal fallout from the Minnesota enforcement operations. The incident also highlights tensions within immigration enforcement agencies regarding accountability and transparency.
No further action has been announced regarding Bovino’s allegations, and the White House has not provided additional comment beyond its initial statement.