Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown: Senior US Immigration Chief Leaves City After Fatal Shooting
A senior US immigration official is expected to leave Minneapolis, signaling a possible shift in the White House’s approach following the fatal shooting of a second US citizen by federal officers in the city.
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who played a central role in recent immigration operations in Minnesota, is departing Minneapolis as federal authorities face growing scrutiny over enforcement tactics. His departure comes after the shooting of Alex Pretti on Saturday, an incident that intensified tensions between federal agents, local officials, and residents.
President Donald Trump has announced that immigration enforcement efforts in Minneapolis will now be overseen by Tom Homan, who will lead operations on the ground and report directly to the president. The move is widely seen as an attempt to calm public anger and adjust the administration’s messaging amid rising backlash.
Despite the leadership change, data tracking federal activity indicates that immigration raids have continued across the region, suggesting that enforcement policy itself remains unchanged.
Bovino had been a prominent figure during the operation that led to Pretti’s death. In the immediate aftermath, he publicly claimed that Pretti posed a deadly threat to officers. Federal authorities later stated that agents acted in self-defense after attempting to disarm Pretti, whom they said was carrying a handgun.
Those claims have been challenged by eyewitnesses, local officials, and Pretti’s family. Video footage shared online appears to show Pretti holding a mobile phone while filming officers moments before the confrontation. His parents have accused federal authorities of spreading false and damaging statements about their son.
Bovino has been closely associated with the administration’s hardline immigration strategy, frequently sharing footage of enforcement operations on social media and promoting aggressive federal action in multiple US cities.
Homan, who now takes over leadership in Minneapolis, is a strong supporter of strict immigration enforcement but brings experience from previous federal roles, including overseeing deportation operations under a prior Democratic administration. His appointment has raised hopes among some officials that coordination and communication may improve.
Tensions in Minneapolis remain high. Residents have reported fear and disruption to daily life as federal operations continue. Pretti was the second Minneapolis resident killed by federal immigration officers since their arrival, following the earlier death of Renee Nicole Good in January.
Federal officials have denied reports that Bovino was removed from his position, stating he remains an important part of the administration’s immigration leadership team.
