Federal agents in the Twin Cities have faced roughly 20 assaults within just a week, according to Border Patrol Operations Commander Gregory Bovino. The situation has escalated quickly, involving shoving, punching, objects being thrown, and even unknown substances sprayed from fire extinguishers.
In an exclusive discussion on Monday, Bovino pointed out that assaults on Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis have surged. In just four days, agents reported nearly 25 attacks.
Bovino described these incidents as increasingly frequent and dangerous, suggesting that they seem aimed at provoking officers into using force and disrupting immigration enforcement. With 30 years of experience in Border Patrol, he remarked that some assaults were severe enough to necessitate significant force from the agents.
“One attacker used a metal fire extinguisher to spray an unidentified liquid on one of our agents,” the commander recounted. “Tests later showed it might have been diluted paint, but at that moment, investigators could not tell if it was something hazardous like acid or another corrosive substance.”
The lead agent currently on the scene in Minneapolis noted that they managed the situation with great professionalism and restraint. “The suspect had metal spikes on his shoes for better grip, and we thought he might flee after the attack, but, unfortunately, we were mistaken.”
Bovino himself was recently confronted when a woman resisted arrest by pushing him.
The rise in assaults comes on the heels of an incident where an ICE officer fatally shot a driver in Minneapolis last week. The driver had obstructed a road, seemingly trying to block an arrest, and the officer had been injured in another situation earlier.
Bovino echoed sentiments from Trump administration officials that anyone harming federal law enforcement officers will face arrest and prosecution. “We cannot stand by while our staff are attacked. Although enforcing immigration laws is our primary mission, we will also detain those who assault our agents. You will face jail time,” he emphasized.
The seasoned border chief indicated that the environment is challenging, focusing on maintaining communication with frontline personnel to keep them vigilant in the Twin Cities area. He stated that the situation is concerning, adding: “We stress the importance of working in pairs or small teams and being constantly alert. Safety is key. Our agents are not only being physically attacked but are also frequently threatened and followed. Some politicians are fostering dangerous behavior, which complicates matters.”
Bovino noted that the individuals using vehicles and engaging in assaults against Border Patrol and ICE personnel seem to be well-coordinated protesters, albeit misinformed about the consequences of their actions.
“Some of them have been trained by activist groups like Minnesota ICE Watch, which seem to exploit protesters, knowing many cross dangerous legal lines and provoke agents into use-of-force situations,” he said.
He remarked, “They seem indifferent to the individuals involved, as long as they promote their own agendas.”
Another unsettling aspect for Bovino is the attempts by protesters to shield undocumented immigrants from arrest, particularly those with serious criminal backgrounds like violent offenses. “We focus on undocumented individuals with significant criminal records, who are actively residing freely in Minneapolis under sanctuary policies, yet protesters continue to thwart our efforts. It’s illogical,” he stated.
Bovino expressed that conditions in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area could improve significantly with cooperation from local and state law enforcement. Despite receiving emotional backing from local rank-and-file officers, leadership in larger police departments seem to be hindering requests for assistance from Border Patrol and ICE.
“We have some backing from smaller police departments in the area, but if major police forces were to collaborate, the number of assaults against law enforcement could be reduced or nearly eliminated,” Bovino explained.
He described how Minnesota’s state troopers, known for their training, have not stepped up in ways observed in other states. “In Louisiana, for instance, State Police Superintendent Col. Hodges has played a crucial role in keeping agitators in check when they cross into interference with federal agents. His officers are well-trained, and we recorded only one assault on a Border Patrol agent during our recent operations. Here in Minneapolis, that support is absent,” Bovino remarked.
One point was clear from Bovino: “Our operatives won’t be deterred by a few activists. Most local residents have shown support for our work in ensuring safety in our communities. Despite the misguided information from politicians advocating for open borders, we will persist in our mission. We are here to stay.”
randy clark A 32-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol, he previously served as Division Chief of Law Enforcement Operations, overseeing nine Border Patrol stations in the Del Rio, Texas area.
