Ousted Trump Border Goon Makes Surprise Return 48 Hours After Retirement

Former Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino declares he has joined the 'conservative CPAC movement' after being sidelined by the Trump administration.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Greg Bovino, the former Border Patrol commander known for his aggressive immigration tactics, made a surprise appearance at CPAC just two days after officially retiring from the agency. Bovino, who was part of a deportation rampage that culminated in the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens, told the CPAC crowd that he has joined the 'conservative movement' after leaving his 'tribe' at the Border Patrol.

Why it matters

Bovino's return to the political spotlight highlights the ongoing tensions within the Trump administration's immigration policies, with Bovino representing the more hardline approach favored by former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, while the current border czar, Tom Homan, has prioritized deportations of 'the worst of the worst' criminals and gang members.

The details

Bovino, who was sidelined by the Trump administration, was introduced on stage at CPAC by conservative influencer Benny Johnson, who praised Bovino's work as Border Patrol chief. Actor Dean Cain, known for playing Superman, also came on stage to give Bovino a hug, echoing his own support for law enforcement and ICE. Bovino had been recorded earlier this year giving a pep talk to his officers, urging them to be aggressive and saying 'Everybody f‑‑‑ing gets it if they touch you!'

  • Bovino officially retired from the Border Patrol on Tuesday, March 25, 2026.
  • Bovino made a surprise appearance at CPAC on Thursday, March 27, 2026, just two days after his retirement.

The players

Greg Bovino

The former Border Patrol commander known for his aggressive immigration tactics, who was sidelined by the Trump administration.

Benny Johnson

A conservative influencer who introduced Bovino on stage at CPAC.

Dean Cain

An actor best known for playing Superman in the 1990s television series Lois & Clark, who came on stage to give Bovino a hug at CPAC.

Tom Homan

The current border czar who has prioritized deportations of 'the worst of the worst' criminals and gang members, placing him at odds with Bovino and former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

Kristi Noem

The recently canned Department of Homeland Security Secretary who encouraged Bovino's aggressive tactics and wanted broader public round-ups and the theatrics of promoting them.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I left my tribe folks. But I joined another tribe—and that is you, the conservative CPAC movement, America. Thanks for having me!”

— Greg Bovino, Former Border Patrol Commander

“Can we get a massive round of applause for our Border Patrol and ICE agents, and Greg's work as the chief of Border Patrol? The fake news hate him, Libs hate him! This is Darth Vader. For those people, he's the biggest bad guy, but he's a hero to us and the America First movement!”

— Benny Johnson, Conservative Influencer

“When extremists on the left screamed 'defund the police,' I joined law enforcement. When the leftists shrieked—as they are shrieking now—'defund ICE,' I joined ICE.”

— Dean Cain

The takeaway

Bovino's return to the political stage after his retirement highlights the ongoing tensions within the Trump administration's immigration policies, with Bovino representing the more hardline approach favored by former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, while the current border czar, Tom Homan, has prioritized deportations of 'the worst of the worst' criminals and gang members.