Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol leader at the center of controversy, recently made offensive remarks regarding Jewish federal officials during a planning call. This call took place on January 12, just days after the tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Federal officials were gathering to discuss increased immigration enforcement in the area.
When informed that Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen, an Orthodox Jew, could not attend the meeting due to Sabbath observance, Bovino reportedly expressed frustration. He allegedly questioned, “Do Orthodox criminals also take off on Saturday?”—a comment many sources have labeled as antisemitic. The New York Times first reported these remarks, which some have described as part of a troubling trend in federal immigration operations.
Concerns about Bovino’s behavior are not new. In the past, he faced backlash from a federal judge in Chicago over his dismissive comments during deportation operations. His nonchalant attitude during a deposition led Judge Sara Ellis to criticize his “cute” responses, which many considered evasive. In November, an appeals court paused a ruling limiting the use of force by immigration agents, showcasing the ongoing tension in these operations.
The fallout from his comments and recent events has led to Bovino’s reassignment. He had been operating under intense scrutiny following the January 24 shooting of Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Patrol officers. His statements about Pretti’s intentions were quickly contradicted by witness accounts and video evidence, raising further doubts about his judgment.
Bovino’s situation reflects a broader issue within federal immigration enforcement, particularly under the Trump administration, which has positioned countering antisemitism as a key priority. In recent months, the Justice Department has initiated several investigations into how colleges handle antisemitism, particularly during protests tied to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
These events have sparked protests across Minnesota, highlighting the growing discord among federal officials, local prosecutors, and the communities they serve. As tensions rise, many are calling for a reevaluation of how federal agencies interact with localities and how they address sensitive cultural issues.
For more insights into the implications of these developments, you can read a detailed report by The New York Times and find information from the Department of Justice on current civil rights probes affecting Jewish students on college campuses.
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Minnesota, United States Border Patrol, Gregory Bovino
