MINNEAPOLIS — Gregory Bovino, the high-profile U.S. Border Patrol commander who became the face of recent federal immigration crackdowns, is now the subject of multiple criminal and internal investigations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Minnesota prosecutors confirmed this week they are reviewing Bovino’s conduct during “Operation Metro Surge,” including allegations of physical misconduct and disparaging remarks regarding a prosecutor’s faith.
Criminal Investigation in Hennepin County
On Monday, March 02, 2026, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced a formal investigation into 17 incidents involving federal agents. Among the most prominent cases is an incident from January 2026 near Mueller Park, where Bovino was allegedly captured on video throwing a gas canister at protesters and observers.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has launched an online portal, the Transparency and Accountability Project (TAP), requesting the public to submit photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts of potentially unlawful behavior by federal officers. “We are committed to holding everyone accountable under the law, regardless of whether they wear a federal badge,” the office stated in a release.
DHS Internal Probe Into Alleged Antisemitic Remarks
In addition to local criminal scrutiny, the Department of Homeland Security has opened an internal investigation into reports that Bovino made derogatory comments about a federal prosecutor’s Jewish faith. According to reports from The New York Times and The Guardian, the remarks were allegedly made during a phone call in January 2026 as Bovino expressed frustration over legal hurdles facing immigration enforcement operations.
Career and Rise to Prominence
Gregory Kent Bovino, 55, has served in the U.S. Border Patrol for nearly 30 years. Born in San Bernardino, California, and raised in North Carolina, Bovino rose through the ranks to become the Chief Patrol Agent of the El Centro Sector. In October 2025, he was appointed “commander-at-large,” a role that saw him lead aggressive enforcement actions in major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
Bovino has frequently defended his tactics, arguing that his agents face “angry publics” and that militarized responses are necessary for officer safety. However, his tenure as the figurehead of the Trump administration’s deportation efforts has been marked by intense controversy, particularly following the deaths of two U.S. citizens during federal operations in Minnesota.
Current Status and Return to El Centro
Despite the mounting legal challenges, local media in California reported on March 03, 2026, that Bovino is expected to resume his duties as Chief of the El Centro Sector this week. It remains unclear how the active criminal probe in Minnesota or the DHS internal investigation will impact his long-term standing within Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
As of Wednesday, March 04, 2026, no formal charges have been filed, but the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office continues to process evidence that could lead to prosecution for federal agents involved in the Minneapolis crackdown.