Greg Bovino, the outgoing U.S. Border Patrol Commander, expressed his primary regret as not apprehending more undocumented immigrants. In an interview with The New York Times, conducted before he steps down at the end of March, he reflected on his leadership of the Department of Homeland Security’s Metro Surge operation in Minnesota, which led to protests and two shootings involving federal agents. He announced his resignation earlier in the month after his term ended under President Trump’s administration.
“I wish we had caught more illegal aliens,” Bovino remarked, stating their effort was strong but always open to innovative ways to enhance capture rates. “We were striving for complete control at the borders,” he emphasized, admitting that such language might intimidate some, but insisted on the necessity of that control.
President Trump shared a similar sentiment. During a conversation with Daily Caller White House correspondent Reagan Reese, he indicated understanding Bovino’s feelings of wanting to apprehend more individuals who, in his view, were let in by the previous administration. “I understand,” Trump noted.
Trump mentioned his desire to expel more individuals categorized as “rough, uncouth” that had entered under Biden’s presidency, claiming that thousands are leaving, either through deportation or voluntarily, as they face significant scrutiny.
Bovino also expressed intentions to hasten the deportation of numerous undocumented people and received notable praise from Trump. However, the Times reported that the administration eventually distanced itself from him.
According to several current and former DHS officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, Bovino struggled with certain systemic issues. His performative approach and apparent disregard for established protocols sometimes alienated even his supporters.
Bovino started his career in Border Patrol as an agent in California’s El Centro region and worked his way through various roles until his recent position in Minnesota. Following the deaths of individuals Alex Preti and Renee Good, he returned to El Centro before announcing his retirement.
