WHO IS GREG BOVINO? Learn about Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol ‘commander-at-large’ at the centre of the 2026 Minneapolis shooting controversy. Explore his ‘turn and burn’ tactics, his career history in El Centro, and the conflicting reports regarding his recent demotion.
In the wake of a week that saw the Twin Cities become a flashpoint for federal immigration policy, the man at the centre of the storm is reportedly on the move.
Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol “commander-at-large” who has become the public face of the Trump administration’s aggressive “Operation Metro Surge”, is at the heart of conflicting reports regarding his future.
As of Monday night, January 26, 2026, The Atlantic reported that Bovino has been demoted and ordered back to his former post in El Centro, California. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a fierce denial, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stating, “Chief Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties.”
The “Commander-at-Large”: A New Kind of Border Chief
Until 2025, Greg Bovino was a veteran regional official. Under the second Trump administration, he was elevated to the non-statutory rank of “commander-at-large”, reporting directly to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
- The “Turn and Burn” Tactic: Bovino pioneered high-speed raid tactics in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, designed to execute arrests and depart before protesters could mobilise.
- The Public Persona: Unlike typical high-ranking law enforcement, Bovino relishes the spotlight. He frequently appeared in slickly produced social media videos set to heavy metal music, depicting his tactical units in action.
- The “Greatcoat” Controversy: Bovino drew international headlines—and sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom—for wearing a brass-buttoned, calf-length olive greatcoat. Critics compared the aesthetic to fascist uniforms, while Bovino maintained it was a standard-issue winter uniform he had owned for decades.
Career Highlights: Three Decades on the Front Line
Greg Bovino’s rise from a field agent in El Paso to a national commander spans over 30 years of service.
| Period | Role / Sector | Notable Achievement |
| 1996 | Agent (Class 325) | Joined the U.S. Border Patrol after serving in the Boone PD. |
| 2008–2019 | Assistant Chief | Served in Yuma, AZ, and as Agent-in-Charge in Blythe, CA. |
| 2019–2023 | Sector Chief | Led the New Orleans and El Centro sectors. |
| 2025 | Tactical Commander | Led “Operation Midway Blitz” in Chicago and Los Angeles. |
| 2026 | Commander-at-Large | Spearheaded federal operations in Minneapolis. |
The Minneapolis Breaking Point
The tide appeared to turn for Bovino following two fatal shootings of civilians in Minneapolis this month: Renee Good on January 7 and ICU nurse Alex Pretti on January 24.
While Bovino vigorously defended his agents on CNN, claiming they “prevented specific shootings of law enforcement,” the backlash reached a fever pitch. On January 26, President Trump dispatched “border czar” Tom Homan to Minnesota, a move many analysts see as a “soft sidelining” of Bovino.
“Bovino represents the operational reality of the administration’s rhetoric,” noted one immigration law professor. “His departure—or demotion—would signal a shift in how these city-center operations are being managed.”
Personal Background
- Early Life: Born in 1970 in San Bernardino, CA, to an Italian-American family. He grew up in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
- Education: Holds degrees from Western Carolina University and Appalachian State University. He is a graduate of the National War College.
- Inspiration: He famously decided to join the Border Patrol as a child after watching the 1982 film The Border.
