Bovino Allegedly Mocked Prosecutor’s Jewish Faith in Lawyer Call
A telephone call between Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol leader, and federal prosecutors has raised significant concerns. This conversation, which occurred on January 12, is linked with the decision of six federal prosecutors to resign in protest over the Justice Department’s handling of certain cases in Minneapolis.
Bovino’s Derogatory Remarks
During the call, Bovino allegedly mocked the religious beliefs of Daniel N. Rosen, the U.S. attorney in Minnesota, who is an Orthodox Jew. Sources claim that he used the phrase “chosen people” in a disparaging manner. Furthermore, Bovino questioned whether Rosen understood that Orthodox Jewish criminals do not take weekends off, reflecting insensitivity towards religious practices.
This conversation unfolded as Bovino pushed for increased criminal charges against individuals he believed were obstructing immigration enforcement efforts. Rosen delegated the call to a deputy, where Bovino expressed frustration about Rosen’s limited availability over the weekend due to observances of Shabbat.
Potential Legal Ramifications
Bovino’s comments have raised ethical and potential legal issues for federal prosecutors. Following a precedent set by a 1972 Supreme Court ruling in the Giglio case, prosecutors are required to disclose any information that may tarnish the credibility of a law enforcement officer involved in an arrest.
Responses from Officials
- Gregory Bovino did not respond to requests for comment.
- Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security deflected inquiries, suggesting focus should be placed on crime victims instead.
- The Department of Justice also did not provide comments regarding the situation.
Background on Daniel N. Rosen
Daniel N. Rosen became the U.S. attorney in Minnesota in October 2022. Since then, he has maintained a low profile but has expressed concerns about rising antisemitism in the U.S. In a recent interview, he highlighted his commitment to using his position to combat this issue.
Bovino’s Role in Immigration Enforcement
Gregory Bovino, based in Southern California, is a prominent figure in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. His operations in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago drew criticism for the heavy-handed tactics employed by his teams.
In January 2023, while in Minnesota, Bovino led a deployment involving around 3,000 federal agents. Local residents have opposed these actions, leading to increased scrutiny of his methods, including wearing a controversial military-style overcoat.
Incident Involving Alex Pretti
Amidst the controversy, Bovino faced backlash following a shooting incident involving immigration agents in Minneapolis. The agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, a local nurse, during an operation. Bovino subsequently defended the agents, claiming they were justified in using lethal force, a stance contradicted by video evidence.
The attention surrounding Bovino’s remarks and actions highlights broader issues within immigration enforcement and raises questions about accountability and ethical leadership within federal law enforcement.
