(NewsNation) — Gregory Bovino, the former Border Patrol commander-at-large overseeing immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, has officially left the city, sources confirmed to NewsNation.
Bovino was removed from his role Monday, which made him the face of the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement operations around the United States. He was reassigned as Border Patrol sector chief in California.
Before leading the operation in Minneapolis, Bovino oversaw efforts in Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte and New Orleans.
“The agents of Operation at Large were a true honor to serve with,” Bovino told NewsNation on Tuesday. “Now folks, THOSE agents really made a difference. Unprecedented!!!!!”
White House border czar Tom Homan is taking the helm, overseeing the operation in Minneapolis, and is expected to meet with Mayor Jacob Frey on Tuesday. Homan will report directly to President Donald Trump on the latest from Minneapolis, which has been the site of daily protests and calls for federal investigations after the shooting deaths of Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents.
Sources confirmed to NewsNation that Homan arrived in Minneapolis on Tuesday morning. He did not immediately return a message seeking comment from NewsNation.
Homan is a 40-year DHS official who previously served in several administrations, including overseeing deportations for President Barack Obama. Homan met with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who has addressed the ongoing situation in a phone call with Trump.
In Tuesday’s meeting with Homan, the governor reiterated the Democrat’s priorities for the enforcement operation, including reducing the number of federal immigration officers and agents on the ground in Minnesota. Homan is also expected to meet with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Bovino’s removal was disputed Monday by a DHS assistant secretary of public affairs, who portrayed multiple reports that the 30-year Border Patrol veteran was being sent back to California as being false.
NewsNation previously reported that some Border Patrol agents working under Bovino’s direction would also be leaving Minneapolis. However, some agents slated to leave the state with Bovino have been now told to remain in place.
DHS officials have maintained that the immigration enforcement operation that began late last year will continue under Homan and that Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will continue their mission in Minnesota.
