Image: from DizzyDoc X@Vijvic
By Open Chronicle National Security Desk
MINNEAPOLIS — In a major leadership shakeup, Gregory Bovino, the high-profile and controversial Border Patrol commander at the center of the Trump administration’s “Operation Metro Surge,” is leaving Minneapolis today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The move follows intense public outcry and political pressure after the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents in the city this month.
While the White House characterizes the move as part of a strategic reshuffle, reports indicate that Bovino’s aggressive tactics and recent public statements have caused a significant rift within the administration.
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino expected to leave Minneapolis Tuesday
Officials frustrated with Bovino's handling of Alex Pretti shooting aftermath
Trump spoke with Walz, agreed to look into reducing federal agents
Homan will 🅱️e point of contact for Operation Metro Surge pic.twitter.com/P4xHiRhkVP
— Boi Agent One (@boiagentone) January 26, 2026
The “Border Czar” Takes Command
President Donald Trump announced late Monday that White House Border Czar Tom Homan will now report directly to him and serve as the “main point of contact on the ground” for all federal immigration operations in Minnesota.
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The Sidelining of Bovino: Bovino has reportedly been stripped of his specially created title of “Commander at Large.” Sources indicate he will return to his former post in the El Centro sector of Southern California and is expected to retire shortly.
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The Homan-Noem Conflict: The decision to send Homan to Minneapolis is seen by some as a slight to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose department had been managing the surge. Noem has reportedly been engaged in a months-long power struggle with Homan over the direction of the national deportation campaign.
The Alex Pretti Fallout
The catalyst for Bovino’s departure was his handling of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a federal raid on Saturday.
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Disputed Claims: Bovino drew fierce condemnation for claiming, without evidence, that Pretti intended to “massacre” federal agents.
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Internal Frustration: Senior administration officials were reportedly “deeply frustrated” by Bovino and Secretary Noem’s public defense of the shooting, which was contradicted by emerging video evidence. Noem’s labeling of Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” similarly backfired, further alienating local officials.
A Softer Tone from the White House?
Bovino’s exit coincides with a rare, conciliatory shift in rhetoric from President Trump. Following “productive” phone calls with Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, Trump indicated he is willing to consider reducing the federal footprint in the Twin Cities.
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Collaboration Over Combat: Governor Walz described the president as being on a “similar wavelength” regarding the need for impartial investigations into the federal shootings.
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State Cooperation: In exchange for a reduction in federal agents, Walz indicated the state would honor federal requests for violent criminals currently in custody, though he remains firm on protecting the state’s sanctuary policies.
Protests and Legal Battles Continue
Despite Bovino’s departure, tensions on the ground remain high. Dozens of protesters gathered outside a hotel believed to be housing federal agents on Monday night, using noise demonstrations to demand the complete withdrawal of “Operation Metro Surge.”
Meanwhile, a federal judge in Minneapolis is considering a lawsuit aimed at halting the operation entirely. Judge Katherine Menendez expressed skepticism regarding a recent letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi, which state officials have characterized as a “ransom note” offering to end the surge only if the state turns over sensitive voter and benefits data.