Border Patrol Commander Vows to Continue Operation Despite Court Rulings and Public Backlash
Federal Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino stands firm in the face of growing criticism and legal challenges regarding immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. Bovino insists his agents are ready to handle an influx of migrants, stating that “thousands more” are on the way. His remarks come just after a court ruling limited certain actions during protests against the crackdown. However, his commitment to maintaining operations remains unwavering.
In a striking televised statement, Bovino declared, “We got a LOT MORE INNINGS in this game to go. THOUSANDS MORE COMING!” This confident assertion was shared widely across social media, sparking reactions and amplifying the tense atmosphere surrounding immigration enforcement in the region.
The backdrop to this controversy is Operation Metro Surge, a collaborative initiative involving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Since July 2023, over 2,800 agents have been deployed to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, focusing on individuals with troubling criminal histories, including those involved in heinous acts like human trafficking.
However, the operation’s scale has not come without significant backlash. Local leaders and civil rights advocates have condemned the federal actions, particularly following a tragic incident in August when ICE agents shot and killed U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good. Federal officers claim she drove at one of them, prompting a legitimate lethal response. Yet, her family and supporters reject this narrative, fueling ongoing protests.
Since then, violence against federal agents has surged, with reports of more than 20 assaults occurring recently. Attacks have included vehicle rammings and confrontations in public spaces. In response, U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez issued an injunction against the use of tear gas and similar munitions against peaceful protesters, following a lawsuit from the ACLU of Minnesota alleging unlawful targeting by federal forces.
Judge Menendez stated, “There is no sign that this operation is winding down—indeed, it appears to still be ramping up.” Despite this ruling, Bovino maintains that agents will be prepared to respond with force against any violent actions taken by demonstrators. “We always support the First Amendment,” he emphasized, clarifying that agents would only resort to less lethal munitions when required for safety.
Support for this stance echoes through DHS. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted the dangerous environment federal agents are facing, citing assaults including incidents of vandalism and aggression during protests. “Obstructing law enforcement is a federal crime and assaulting law enforcement is a felony,” she noted, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement.
The federal response has seen additional resources mobilized rapidly. DHS documents indicate that around 800 officers were dispatched to Minnesota during the initial wave, raising the total number to nearly 3,000 in late August. These significant force levels are patrolling areas known for illegal crossings, public transit hubs, and retail locations, apprehending undocumented migrants while stirring fears about potential profiling among mixed-status families.
Despite this assertive action, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has strongly criticized the operation, accusing the federal government of creating chaos and undermining public safety efforts. In a closed meeting, Frey reportedly told ICE agents, “Get the f— out of Minneapolis.” Other city officials have echoed support for the court’s ruling, highlighting the importance of protecting peaceful protest rights.
In a similar vein, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison characterized the injunction as a meaningful victory for those wishing to exercise their constitutional rights to protest peacefully. While local leaders push back against federal action, Bovino shows no signs of relenting. According to him, morale among federal agents remains “at an ALL-TIME HIGH.” He credits this with the backing they receive from federal attorneys now engaged in the prosecution of related cases.
Bovino reassured legal residents that there is no reason to fear their presence, stating, “If they’re United States citizens or legal permanent residents… there’s no reason to be scared.” However, he cautions that those involved in criminal activities should be wary as enforcement continues unabated.
Despite his confidence, challenges to his credibility persist. A recent ruling found Bovino’s testimony during a previous operation to be less than reliable, with a judge remarking on contradictions in his accounts regarding the use of force. Such findings have raised concerns about transparency within DHS and the operational guidelines for federal agents. The agency has not publicly addressed these issues but has reiterated its commitment to lawful conduct.
As federal agents push through with their operations, Bovino asserts that they will not back down from public scrutiny or legal pushback. “We’re here to enforce the law,” he insists, “and we’re not going anywhere.” The operation continues without a specific end date as officials predict ongoing activity where illegal immigration is prevalent.
Local sentiment remains mixed. While concerns about overreach and wrongful detentions are widespread, Bovino claims that 90 to 95 percent of local legal residents support federal efforts. He remarks, “Unfortunately, in Minneapolis… a lot of unfriendly individuals out there, a lot of violence against ICE and Border Patrol.”
The effectiveness of federal actions in addressing illegal immigration in Minnesota remains uncertain. Yet, the ongoing operation has undoubtedly intensified national discussions surrounding immigration policy, the boundaries of federal authority, and the rights of citizens in protest.
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