Border Patrol Official Gregory Bovino to Retire

Longtime leader oversaw high-profile immigration enforcement operations in major U.S. cities

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:37pm

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Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is set to retire from federal service at the end of the month, according to CBS News. Bovino, a longtime Border Patrol leader, had most recently served as chief patrol agent of the El Centro sector along the California–Mexico border and became a prominent public face of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement strategy, overseeing high-profile operations in several major U.S. cities.

Why it matters

Bovino's retirement comes amid heightened scrutiny over federal immigration enforcement tactics, including incidents in Minneapolis where two U.S. citizens were shot and killed by federal agents during separate law enforcement operations, sparking protests and calls for investigations.

The details

Bovino's role came under heightened attention earlier this year during federal immigration operations in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge. Following the shootings, Bovino was removed from his leadership role in Minneapolis and returned to California as the administration reassessed its operational posture in the region.

  • Bovino is set to retire at the end of March 2026.

The players

Gregory Bovino

A longtime Border Patrol leader who most recently served as chief patrol agent of the El Centro sector along the California–Mexico border.

Tom Homan

The Border Czar who was sent to Minneapolis to replace Bovino after the shootings.

Renée Good

A U.S. citizen who was shot and killed by federal agents during a law enforcement incident in Minneapolis in January 2026.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen who was shot and killed by federal agents during a separate law enforcement incident in Minneapolis in January 2026.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who called Bovino "a wonderful man" and said he would continue to lead Customs and Border Patrol.

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What they’re saying

“He is going to very much continue to lead Customs and Border Patrol throughout and across the country. Mr. Homan will be the main point of contact on the ground in Minneapolis.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (CBS News)

What’s next

Bovino's replacement has yet to be announced.

The takeaway

Bovino's retirement comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over federal immigration enforcement tactics, including incidents in Minneapolis that sparked protests and calls for investigations, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in these operations.