Top Border Patrol Official Gregory Bovino to Retire

Bovino led controversial immigration sweeps in Democratic-led cities before recent shift in approach

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Gregory Bovino, a top official in the U.S. Border Patrol, has told people he plans to retire at the end of the month, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. Bovino led controversial immigration sweeps in Democratic-led cities last year before the administration adopted a more targeted approach.

Why it matters

Bovino's retirement comes amid a shift in the administration's immigration enforcement tactics, moving away from the broad sweeps he oversaw toward a more targeted approach. His conduct during the Chicago operation also drew stern rebukes from a federal judge.

The details

Bovino has not yet submitted the required retirement paperwork, leaving open the possibility that the plan may change. He was nearly three decades into his career with the U.S. Border Patrol when he was tapped last year to lead the mass deployments of federal law enforcement in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Minneapolis. In January, following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis by federal agents, he returned to his border sector as White House border czar Tom Homan took charge in Minnesota.

  • Bovino plans to retire at the end of March 2026.
  • Bovino led controversial immigration sweeps in Democratic-led cities last year.

The players

Gregory Bovino

A top official in the U.S. Border Patrol who led controversial immigration sweeps in Democratic-led cities before the administration adopted a more targeted approach.

Tom Homan

The White House border czar who took charge in Minnesota following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents.

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary to whom Bovino reported directly while deploying around the country to helm the administration's immigration crackdown.

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What’s next

The administration has since adopted a more targeted approach to immigration enforcement, foregoing the broad sweeps Bovino oversaw.

The takeaway

Bovino's retirement comes at a pivotal time, as the administration shifts its immigration enforcement tactics away from the controversial mass deployments he led in Democratic-led cities.