Greg Bovino, the previous commander-at-large for Customs and Border Safety immigration enforcement operations, is anticipated to retire on the finish of the month, a number of officers conversant in the choice instructed ABC Information.
Bovino and a few 200 brokers have been the face of CBP’s immigration enforcement operation — finishing up high-profile operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans and Minneapolis.
He was relieved of his commander-at-large duties earlier this yr after two federal officer-involved deaths of Americans in Minneapolis. Border Czar Tom Homan was despatched into Minneapolis to assist quell tensions between state and native leaders and the Division of Homeland Safety.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander at Massive Gregory Bovino speaks throughout a information convention on the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The information convention comes after 37-year-old authorized observer Alex Pretti was fatally shot throughout a confrontation with federal brokers. The Trump administration has despatched a reported 3,000 federal brokers into the world, with extra on the best way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants within the area.
Brandon Bell/Getty Photographs
The Division of Homeland Safety mentioned in a press release to ABC Information that Bovino has not submitted retirement paperwork.
Earlier than changing into the commander-at-large, Bovino was the chief of CBP’s El Centro sector. He was additionally a detailed ally of outgoing Secretary of Homeland Safety Kristi Noem and Chief Advisor Corey Lewandowski.
In an electronic mail that was beforehand reported by ABC Information, Bovino mentioned he reported on to Lewandowski and Secretary Noem, bypassing the standard chain of command wherein he would report back to CBP chief Rodney Scott.
RJ Hauman, the president of the Nationwide Immigration Heart for Enforcement, blasted Bovino and applauded his departure.
“After spending 4 years below Biden as a sector chief in El Centro quietly processing illegals on an industrial scale, the border was lastly secured with a pen in Washington, spurring him into motion. Then Noem and Lewandowski handed him a microphone and a fancy dress, and abruptly he’s the Punisher,” Hauman, a key determine within the mass deportation motion, instructed ABC Information.
“It seemed like mass deportation was taking place, however the actuality was every day standoffs, tear gasoline theatrics, and hard man picture ops. They might have quietly roamed the sector, hitting worksite after worksite unexpectedly (really eradicating illegals they launched) however that doesn’t get you followers or consideration. The entire thing was a sham, good riddance,” Hauman mentioned.
Bovino drew the ire of profession Customs and Border Safety in Washington and ICE officers for the best way he performed his operations, in accordance with a number of sources.
A supply mentioned it was “shocking” that it took “this lengthy” for Bovino to retire. “He’s single-handedly accountable for the place the polling is on immigration,” the supply mentioned.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker mentioned in a press release that Bovino will likely be held accountable and that no person is above the legislation.
“Greg Bovino received’t simply get to stroll away — he will likely be held accountable and accountable for the injury he is accomplished to our nation,” Prizker mentioned on X, “We received’t neglect, and neither do you have to.”
Bovino and Governor Pritzker repeatedly clashed whereas he was conducting “Operation Halfway Blitz” in Chicago.
Bovino and Secretary of Homeland Safety Kristi Noem didn’t reply to ABC Information’ request for remark.
