The Trump administration is reorganizing its immigration enforcement leadership in Minneapolis by removing Gregory Bovino, the director of on-the-ground operations. This change comes as federal agents face mounting criticism for their aggressive tactics in the city.
Bovino’s expected exit follows public outrage over the shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents during a protest against the administration’s immigration policies. President Trump announced on Monday that he is sending Tom Homan, the border czar, to oversee ICE operations in Minnesota, with Homan set to report directly to him.
Additionally, President Trump met for over two hours in the Oval Office with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her top aide, Corey Lewandowski. While there was no indication that either Noem or Lewandowski was in danger of losing their positions, the meeting highlighted Trump’s concern over the backlash following the fatal shootings of Pretti and another Minneapolis resident, Renee Good, by federal agents.
Earlier that day, Trump had a cooperative call with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, stating they “seemed to be on a similar wavelength.” Trump mentioned that Homan would reach out to Walz to discuss coordination regarding “criminals” already in state custody. Walz’s office described the conversation as “productive,” covering topics not mentioned in Trump’s post, such as the need for independent investigations into the shootings and the potential reduction of federal agents in Minnesota.
Mayor Jacob Frey announced that some federal agents in Minneapolis are expected to begin leaving as soon as Tuesday, following his call with Trump. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt continued to place blame on Walz and other Democrats for the shooting of Pretti, even as she attempted to distance Trump from comments made by some of his allies.
