Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino stood firm against media spin, defending federal agents’ actions amid violent protests in Minneapolis.
Story Highlights
- Commander Bovino criticized Minneapolis police for abandoning ICE agents during a confrontation with aggressive protesters.
- Federal agents faced denial of service at a gas station before being swarmed by demonstrators on January 21, 2026.
- A court lifted restrictions on use of force for immigration agents that same day, enabling necessary protection.
- Bovino highlighted unprecedented hostility toward law enforcement in Minnesota, calling out media distortions.
Confrontation Erupts in Minneapolis
US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino and his team encountered hostility at a Speedway gas station in Minneapolis’s Whittier neighborhood on January 21, 2026. Denied service, agents exited to find themselves swarmed by protesters from Mueller Park. Tensions escalated quickly as demonstrators pressed in, forcing agents to respond. Bovino later detailed how local police failed to assist, leaving federal officers exposed amid the chaos. This incident underscores the risks agents face in sanctuary cities resisting Trump’s deportation mandate.
Watch: https://youtu.be/pWevdhzQCkc?si=MJ08swClMzk8grxH
Bovino Calls Out Local Police Inaction
Commander Bovino publicly disputed claims by Minneapolis police, stating he never saw them during the altercation despite their assertions. Agents deployed a gas grenade and chemical spray only after protesters turned violent, releasing plumes of green and gray smoke that dispersed the crowd. One video captured an agent using spray on a restrained individual who posed ongoing threats. Bovino emphasized that public safety in Minnesota has deteriorated to levels he has never witnessed before. Federal operations continue despite local obstructionism.
Court Ruling Enables Agent Protection
A federal court temporarily lifted prior restrictions on immigration agents’ use of force in the Twin Cities on the day of the incident. This decision allowed Bovino’s team to defend themselves against the swarming mob without legal hesitation. Critics ignore this context, framing defensive measures as aggression. Under President Trump’s leadership, such rulings restore operational freedom to enforce borders and remove threats. Agents prioritize safety while executing mass deportations that have already removed over 605,000 illegals.
Trump’s Border Wins Amid Resistance
These Minneapolis events highlight resistance to Trump’s successful policies, including negative net migration in 2025 and over 2.5 million departures. Sanctuary jurisdictions like Minnesota undermine federal authority, endangering agents who protect communities from illegal immigration’s harms. Bovino’s outspoken defense aligns with conservative values of law and order, countering woke agendas that shield criminals. As deportations accelerate, expect more clashes, but victories for sovereignty prevail.
Sources:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/greg-bovino-gas-grenade
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/bovino-criticizes-minneapolis-police-ice-protesters/
