U.S. official denies report Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino ousted

DHS denies claims that Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino was ousted, reaffirming his crucial role amid immigration policy reassessment.

The Department of Homeland Security denied a report on Monday (January 26, 2026) that the U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino had been removed from his post, despite President Donald Trump reassessing harsh immigration crackdown tactics that led to the deaths of two Americans in Minneapolis.

"Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties," DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on X, reiterating the White House messaging that Bovino "is a key part of the President's team and a great American."

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. https://t.co/qj3E9B8uzg

The comments follow an article by The Atlantic magazine which reported that Mr. Bovino had been removed from his role as Border Patrol commander at large and will return to his previous department job in California.

The publication sourced the reporting to a DHS official and two people with knowledge of the demotion.

Mr. Bovino's removal, if confirmed, would signify a dramatic shift in Trump's approach to the aggressive tactics being used in Minneapolis, where Border Patrol agents on Saturday (January 25, 2026) shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive-care nurse.