Accusations Fly Between Border Patrol Commander and Governor Newsom

MINNEAPOLIS — Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino has recently taken aim at California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, claiming he’s “responsible” for violence directed towards immigration officials. This confrontation followed comments in which Newsom compared Bovino’s appearance to that of someone who had purchased a Nazi uniform online.

Newsom made these remarks during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he ridiculed the attire of border agents, labeling the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as akin to a “secret police force, a private army.” He described scenes of “masked men” causing individuals to “literally disappear,” all while lacking due process.

In response, Bovino expressed his frustration, stating that Newsom has been misled for quite some time. “I don’t shop on eBay,” he added, clarifying that the uniform he wore is standard for Border Patrol, established since May 28, 1924. His remarks came during a Thursday press conference.

Bovino further emphasized the increasing violence faced by immigration officials, pointing specifically to incidents in California. He also condemned the inflammatory rhetoric from local leaders, including Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who had previously referred to ICE as the “Gestapo” and had urged officers to leave Minneapolis.

Reflecting on Newsom’s enjoyment of the World Economic Forum, Bovino said, “He’s having fun in Davos and whatever he enjoys there.” He lamented that his agents have been attacked and harassed, indicating that the violent mobs often find encouragement in the words of such politicians. “He is responsible for the very violence our agents are subjected to,” he concluded.