27.01.2026 11:02
U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Chief Gregory Bovino has not been removed from his position and is an important part of President Donald Trump's team. Bovino faced criticism for being pro-Nazi due to his long coat, hairstyle, and the strict immigration tactics he employed.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin responded to claims in the press that Bovino had been removed from his position in a statement made on the account of the U.S.-based company X on social media.
"AN IMPORTANT PART OF TRUMP'S TEAM"
McLaughlin noted that the CBP Commander had not been removed from his position, stating, "As White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt mentioned from the podium, Bovino is an important part of President Donald Trump's team." Leavitt also shared McLaughlin's statement again on her social media account.
"HE IS A NAZI SYMPATHIZER" CRITICISMS
Bovino faced criticisms of being a Nazi sympathizer due to his long coat, hairstyle, and the harsh immigration tactics he employed.
CLAIMS OF HIS REMOVAL
The American magazine The Atlantic reported, based on sources from the Department of Homeland Security, that CBP Commander Bovino was removed from his position due to the escalation of events in the state of Minnesota. Following a significant increase in public backlash, it was stated that Bovino was removed from his position and that the commander would soon leave Minnesota to return to his former position in California. Additionally, Trump announced that he would send Tom Homan, who is responsible for border security and referred to as the "border czar," to Minnesota.
WHAT HAPPENED?
On January 7, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot and killed 37-year-old American citizen Renee Nicole Macklin Good in her vehicle during operations targeting immigrants in Minneapolis. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that this individual "attempted to run over ICE officers and struck them with her vehicle."
During protests in Minneapolis, on January 24, another person was shot while being attempted to be detained by ICE teams. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stated that the victim, whom they believed to be a U.S. citizen, was a 37-year-old white resident of Minneapolis.
O'Hara noted that this individual had no criminal record, stating, "We believe that he legally obtained the firearm and has a carry permit." The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees announced that the person shot and killed by ICE police in Minneapolis was Alex Jeffrey Pretti, who worked as a nurse among their members.