Minnesota Officials Accuse Bovino of Anti-Semitic Language on Call
Gregory Bovino, a prominent Border Patrol leader, has come under fire for allegedly using anti-Semitic language during a federal call. This incident occurred on January 12, shortly after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. The call aimed to coordinate a meeting regarding the significant deployment of immigration agents in the area.
Allegations of Anti-Semitic Remarks
During the call, Bovino was informed that Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen, who identifies as Orthodox Jew, could not attend the meeting due to Sabbath observance. According to multiple sources, Bovino responded with frustration. He allegedly questioned, “Do Orthodox criminals also take off on Saturday?” and used the term “chosen people” in a derisive manner. These comments led to accusations of an anti-Semitic rant by Bovino, drawing attention from federal officials and the media.
Responses from Authorities
Bovino’s remarks were quickly reported to Attorney General Pam Bondi and other officials within the Department of Justice, as well as the White House. However, the responses from the Department of Homeland Security, the White House, and the Department of Justice remain unaddressed as of now.
Impact on Minnesota’s Immigration Policies
The allegations come at a time when tensions are rising between federal immigration officials and local prosecutors in Minnesota. Recently, ICE and Border Patrol personnel have ramped up their enforcement actions, prompting widespread protests across the state. Bovino’s management style has raised concerns previously, with his brusque demeanor leading to controversy.
Previous Legal Challenges
Prior to this incident, Bovino faced scrutiny from a federal judge in Chicago over his conduct during deportation operations. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis criticized him for his dismissive responses in court, describing them as “cute.” An appeal later paused the injunction limiting the use of force by federal agents.
Reassessments and Relocation
In light of the public backlash following a separate fatal shooting incident on January 24 involving Customs and Border Protection officers, Bovino was recently reassigned. Reports emerged that contradicted his claims regarding the incident, which raised further questions about his credibility.
Bovino is now set to return to his previous role in California’s El Centro sector, after having led various immigration operations in major cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, during the Trump administration. This latest chapter in Bovino’s career highlights the ongoing challenges related to immigration enforcement and the critical dialogue surrounding anti-Semitic discourse in federal agencies.
