Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino is returning to his position in El Centro, California, after overseeing operations in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents. The White House has walked back initial claims about Pretti, calling his death a "tragedy" and refusing to endorse earlier accusations of terrorism.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
1. Bovino’s reassignment confirmed: Multiple sources report Bovino is leaving Minneapolis to resume duties in El Centro, California, though the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denies he was demoted. A DHS spokesperson called him a "key part of the President’s team."
2. White House walks back claims about Pretti: Initial statements by senior officials, including Stephen Miller, labeled Pretti a "domestic terrorist," but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later called his death a "tragedy" and declined to endorse the earlier rhetoric.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background on the Shooting
Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and U.S. citizen, was shot by Border Patrol agents on Saturday. Bystander video suggests he held a cellphone, contradicting initial claims he wielded a 9 mm handgun. His death follows the January 7 shooting of Renée Good, another Minneapolis resident, by an ICE agent.
Public and Political Reactions
Jewish groups, including the American Jewish Committee, condemned the violence, calling for a review of federal enforcement tactics. The AJC emphasized that "overarching demonization of either protesters or federal law enforcement is neither accurate nor productive."
Meanwhile, residents in Minneapolis expressed fear and distress, with one telling the BBC, "We’re all terrified." Protests have continued outside federal buildings in the city.
Policy and Leadership Shifts
President Donald Trump has dispatched Border Czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis, bypassing the normal chain of command. Homan’s arrival coincides with Bovino’s departure, signaling a potential shift in enforcement strategy.
The White House’s decision to distance itself from Miller’s rhetoric marks a rare reversal, though it has not directly addressed the substance of the claims. Leavitt’s briefing notably avoided victim-blaming, a departure from the administration’s typical approach.
Ongoing Investigations
Both shootings remain under investigation. The DHS has not provided further details on the circumstances of Pretti’s death, and no agents have been publicly identified or charged.