In brief
Former ICE chief Greg Bovino defends the Minneapolis raid, labeling the pull‑back of agents a surrender by the Trump administration. He dismisses a lawsuit filed by the family of Renee Good, the American citizen killed during the raid, as routine. The criticism rises as Good’s family sues for wrongful death and alleged civil‑rights violations, naming Bovino and agent Jonathan Ross. Despite a White House claim of a historic reduction in illegal immigration, Bovino remains a polarizing figure with plans to run for president.
The former US border patrol chief, Greg Bovino, defended the Minneapolis operation, calling the pull‑back of agents a surrender by the Trump administration.
He declined to comment on a lawsuit filed by the family of Renee Good, the American citizen killed during the raid, dismissing the action as routine.
Good’s family filed civil suits next month, alleging wrongful death and conspiracy to interfere with civil rights, naming Bovino and agent Jonathan Ross.
The family’s lawyers called the chief’s statements propaganda, while a White House spokeswoman dismissed the lawsuits as baseless.
In an interview in Detroit, Bovino said the administration had 'thrown the towel in' and that deportations now stand at a virtual standstill, admitting he wanted to arrest more illegal aliens in Minnesota.
He also described his agents in Minneapolis as victims of unprecedented violence and rejected video evidence that challenged his account that supporters intended to harm agents.
Trump had earlier blamed Good’s actions for her death, later calling it a tragedy, and the withdrawal saw the removal of Bovino and replacement by White House "border tsar" Tom Homan.
Bovino has since retired and is known for a hardline stance, even claiming millions are illegally in the US and calling for military‑backed mass deportations.
He has floated a presidential run in 2028 and has addressed far‑right rallies calling for the deportation of Democrat candidate Abdul El‑Sayed, a US citizen and Muslim.
The White House claims the withdrawal delivered the largest reduction in illegal immigration in modern history, asserting that millions have left since.
Bovino occasionally comments on political events, suggesting that politicians not stepping up may lead to the need for new leadership.
