Border Patrol Chief Discusses Threats and Operations in Louisiana

Gregory Bovino, the Chief of Border Patrol, reported an alarming increase in threats against ICE and border officials—over 1,200%. These threats range from the leaking of personal information to outright death threats. Interestingly, he pointed out that Louisiana has seen almost no violence in this context. Bovino is encouraging Democratic-led states to adopt the strategies used in Louisiana.

“It’s like flipping a switch,” he mentioned during a recent interview. “In all our time here in Louisiana, our Border Patrol agents have faced no assaults, and we have never needed to use force against violent protesters or rioters.”

The Department of Homeland Security has initiated Operation Catahoula Crunch in New Orleans, which focuses on undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of crimes and then released back into the community. Among those detained are individuals with convictions for serious offenses such as rape and domestic abuse.

Bovino attributes the lack of violence to the collaboration between local leaders and law enforcement with federal agents. This is in stark contrast to cities like Chicago, where enforcement actions have led to large-scale protests, resulting in confrontations and injuries.

He expressed concern over the increasing threats, noting, “The volume of death threats and leaks of personal information against our agents continues to rise.”

Bovino has also criticized Democratic leaders for contributing to the uptick in violence in some areas, claiming that their anti-ICE rhetoric poses a risk to federal workers. He urged officials, such as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, to adopt Louisiana’s model to help mitigate such risks.

In response to the ongoing situation, Pritzker recently signed legislation aimed at safeguarding undocumented immigrants from deportation, which includes new safety measures in various public facilities.