Trump Sends Border Czar to Minnesota as Bovino Departs Amid Pretti Shooting Fallout

Updated 2026-01-27 09:16:21+00:00 (4 articles)

Trump Deploys Border Czar to Direct Minnesota ICE Operations President Donald Trump announced on social media that White House border czar Tom Homan will assume primary responsibility for ICE activities in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti [1][2][3][4]. Homan’s mandate includes coordinating with Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to reshape federal immigration enforcement in the city [1][2]. The White House press secretary confirmed Homan will serve as the main point of contact for on‑ground operations [2][3].

Bovino and Select Agents Exit Minneapolis Following Shooting Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and a handful of agents are scheduled to leave Minnesota on Tuesday, a move described by sources as a “mutual decision” after the Pretti incident [1][2][3]. DHS immediately suspended Bovino’s access to his social‑media accounts after he exchanged messages with lawmakers about the shooting [4]. Despite the departure, DHS officials clarified that Bovino retains his nationwide leadership duties and has not been relieved of his commander‑at‑large role [4][2].

Administration Voices Frustration Over Pretti Shooting Narrative Senior officials expressed “deep frustration” with how Bovino and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem framed the shooting, including labeling Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and alleging he brandished a legally owned firearm—claims that video analysis has not substantiated [1][4]. President Trump reportedly spent hours monitoring coverage and was displeased with the administration’s public statements [1]. The lack of corroborating evidence has intensified criticism of the federal response [1][4].

Conflicting Reports Emerge About Bovino’s Command Role The Atlantic and ABC News reported that Bovino would be stripped of his “commander at large” title, suggesting a demotion [2][3]. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin countered those reports on X, stating Bovino “has NOT been relieved of his duties” and remains a key member of the President’s team [2][3][4]. This discrepancy highlights ongoing uncertainty within the department regarding Bovino’s status [2][3].

Judge Rebukes Bovino for Prior False Incident Claims In an unrelated Chicago case, Federal Judge Sara Ellis found video evidence disproved Bovino’s claim that he was struck with a rock before deploying tear gas, concluding he had lied about the incident [4]. The ruling underscores a pattern of contested statements by the commander [4].

Sources (4 articles)

Timeline

2025 – Federal Judge Sara Ellis rebukes Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino for false claims about being hit with a rock and using tear gas during a Chicago deployment, concluding he lied about the incident[2].

Jan 22, 2026 (Saturday) – A Border Patrol officer fatally shoots U.S. citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis; the incident sparks immediate controversy and prompts federal officials to withhold evidence supporting a self‑defense claim[1].

Jan 22‑23, 2026 – In the aftermath, Bovino alleges that Pretti intended to “massacre” federal agents, a claim that intensifies scrutiny of the shooting and fuels criticism of the administration’s response[3].

Jan 26, 2026 – President Donald Trump announces on social media that he is sending White House border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee ICE operations following the Pretti shooting, making Homan the primary federal point of contact in Minneapolis[3].

Jan 26, 2026 – Trump holds a call with Governor Tim Walz, saying they are “on a similar wavelength,” and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also speaks with the president, both agreeing the current situation “cannot continue”[1].

Jan 26, 2026 – DHS immediately suspends Bovino’s access to his social‑media accounts after he exchanges messages with lawmakers on X about the Pretti shooting, signaling heightened internal tension[2].

Jan 26, 2026 – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarifies that Homan will lead Minneapolis efforts while Bovino remains in a nationwide leadership role; DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin later posts that Bovino “has NOT been relieved of his duties” and stays “a key part of the President’s team”[2][3].

Jan 26, 2026 – Administration officials express “deep frustration” with Bovino and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after Noem labels Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and claims he brandished a legally owned firearm—assertions not supported by video evidence[4].

Jan 27, 2026 – Gregory Bovino and a number of his agents depart Minneapolis, ending his visible role in the Minnesota immigration crackdown; the exit is described as a “mutual decision” after internal frustration with his handling of the shooting[1][3].

Jan 27, 2026 – Tom Homan arrives in Minnesota to manage ICE operations; he is slated to meet with Mayor Frey later that day as part of the federal response to the Pretti case[1].

Future (2026) – Governor Walz indicates that the president has agreed to consider reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota and to coordinate more closely with the state on violent‑crime immigration enforcement, signaling a potential scaling back of the federal presence[3].