Who Is Greg Bovino? Fired Border Patrol Agent, Leaving Minneapolis Due To Alex Pretti's Shooting

Minneapolis is reeling after the killing of ordinary residents like Renee Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti under Trump's immigrant crackdown drive. On January 24, 2026, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old healthcare official, was shot and killed by a federal Border Patrol agent in south Minneapolis. His death left his family heartbroken and triggered protests in Minneapolis. Amid the heated situation in the city that sparked intense national controversy, one Border Patrol official, Greg Bovino, was held responsible for the incident and fired from his position.

Who is Greg Bovino?

Gregory Bovino is a senior U.S. Border Patrol official who, as of early 2026, has gained national prominence as the 'commander-at-large', spearheading the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement campaigns. He joined the Border Patrol in 1996 and worked his way through several leadership roles. Born in 1970 and raised in North Carolina, Gregory was reportedly inspired to join the force by the 1982 film, The Border. Known as the "Liberace of the Border Patrol" for his flamboyant style, he often travels with his own film crew and has become a polarising MAGA social media star.

Reports of January 26, 2026 (ET) suggest that Gregory Bovino is being removed from his high-profile role following intense scrutiny over the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen, Alex Pretti, by federal agents in Minneapolis. Multiple reports from the Associated Press, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal indicate that he will be returned to his previous post as Chief Patrol Agent of the El Centro Sector in California. Notably, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, has officially denied the reports, telling USA TODAY:

"Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties...He remains a key part of the President's team."

How did Greg Bovino get involved in Alex Pretti's death?

Greg Bovino became a primary figure of public scrutiny for his defence of the agents who killed Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. He repeatedly defended the shooting as a "split-second decision" made by agents in self-defence, claiming Alex intended to "massacre law enforcement". Greg reportedly claimed that the deceased was "interfering" and brandishing a 9mm handgun. However, eyewitness videos suggest that Alex Pretti was pinned to the ground and disarmed before being shot at least 10 times.

As the commander overseeing "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota, Greg Bovino helped to relocate the agents involved in the killing of Alex Pretti out of Minneapolis. He faced criticism for doing so, leading to reports that he was stripped of his 'commander at large' title and that he was even expected to retire shortly after.

More about the deceased, Alex Pretti

Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Minneapolis. He and his family came to the spotlight after he was shot and killed by federal U.S. Border Patrol agents on January 24, 2026. The shooting occurred during a federal immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Alex was reportedly a U.S. citizen and a lawful gun owner with a valid permit. The DHS officials claimed Alex approached officers with a handgun and "violently resisted" attempts to disarm him, leading agents to fire "defensive shots", however, witness videos showcased otherwise.

Family and colleagues described Alex as a compassionate "helper" who was outspoken in opposition to the administration's immigration policies. He had recently participated in protests following the death of another citizen, Renee Nicole Good, who federal agents also killed. The shooting of Alex Pretti sparked massive protests across Minneapolis and led to the deployment of the Minnesota National Guard to maintain order. The American Nurses Association expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Alex, who "devoted his life to helping others".

What are your thoughts on Greg Bovino reportedly being sacked from his position? Let us know.

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