January 1, Border Patrol Shakes Up Command After Minnesota Fallout

Wyatt’s Take

• Gregory Bovino, once leading nationally, goes back to California post.
• Protests and unrest in Minnesota drive fast changes at the top.
• President sends new leader as political heat rises over enforcement tactics.

Gregory Bovino is no longer the chief Border Patrol figure at the national level, shifting back to California as the country watches the aftermath of the Minnesota situation.

He had been a central leader overseeing enforcement in Minnesota, but the strong backlash after Alex Pretti’s death drove leaders in Washington to make changes.

Bovino’s move came right after President Trump picked Tom Homan to head the new effort in Minneapolis, hoping to calm tensions and press ahead with federal priorities.

Bovino’s social media accounts were locked down after he publicly defended the agency and argued with critics online, a source from Homeland Security shared.

This step followed lawmakers and others calling out his aggressive responses after the recent events in Minnesota.

Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at Homeland Security, said,

“Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties. As @PressSec stated from the White House podium, @CMDROpAtLargeCA is a key part of the President’s team and a great American.”

The well-known Commander at Large job in Border Patrol has been removed entirely.

“There is no longer a Commander at Large of the U.S. Border Patrol. The position has been eliminated. This is ridiculous.”

Bovino’s new post is in California’s El Centro sector, a critical stretch covering both rural and city areas near the border—an important spot for the agency’s plans.

Homeland Security insists Bovino is still on the leadership team, but his top job in Minnesota now belongs to others as the administration tries to ease anger and restore order.

President Trump reported he had positive phone talks with city and state leaders in Minnesota, focusing on finding common ground and lowering tensions.

“We had a good conversation,” Trump wrote, mentioning that both sides want to calm the situation.

Governor Tim Walz said he asked for less federal presence and more teamwork with local authorities.

“What Minnesota needs right now is calm, clarity, and accountability,” Walz stated after their call.

Want Middle America news without the spin? Stick with us for the real story, straight to your inbox.

Wyatt Matters

Leadership changes are more than headlines—they show how powerful voices in Washington respond when everyday people speak out. Border challenges hit close to home for many in the heartland, reminding us why tough questions and firm values matter when the country’s direction is on the line.

Full story here