Minneapolis, Minnesota – A probe is underway within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding allegations that Gregory Bovino, a high-ranking official overseeing immigration enforcement, made disparaging remarks about the Jewish faith of a Minnesota federal prosecutor. The investigation stems from reported comments made during a January phone call concerning the scheduling of a meeting to discuss immigration enforcement deployments in the Minneapolis area. This controversy adds another layer to the scrutiny surrounding Bovino’s leadership and the tactics employed during recent immigration operations, particularly following fatal shootings involving federal agents in the state.
Bovino, who previously served as the public face of large-scale immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration, has been a central figure in the implementation of stricter immigration policies across several major U.S. Cities. His role has drawn both praise from supporters of tighter border control and criticism from civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers who allege aggressive and unlawful enforcement practices. The current investigation focuses on whether his alleged comments crossed a line into religious bias, potentially undermining the impartiality of federal law enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the internal investigation, characterizing it as standard procedure following a complaint from a member of Congress. A DHS spokesperson stated that the inquiry does not indicate any confirmation of wrongdoing at this stage. However, the allegations have sparked outrage and calls for accountability from Jewish advocacy organizations and Minnesota political leaders. The timing of the reported comments, coinciding with the Jewish Sabbath, has further fueled concerns about potential religious insensitivity.
Allegations Detail Disparaging Remarks
According to reports from The New York Times and CBS News, the alleged incident occurred during a January 12th phone call intended to coordinate a meeting regarding the deployment of immigration agents in Minneapolis. During the call, Bovino reportedly expressed frustration that Hennepin County Attorney Daniel N. Rosen was unreachable due to observing the Sabbath, a period of rest and religious observance in Judaism lasting from sunset Friday to nightfall Saturday. The New York Times detailed that Bovino allegedly used the phrase “the chosen people” in a derogatory manner and questioned whether Rosen understood that some Orthodox Jews do not refrain from perform during the Sabbath.
CBS News reported that Bovino further asked, “Do Orthodox criminals also rest on Saturday?” The reports indicate that Rosen was not directly involved in the call and delegated the conversation to a deputy. The allegations have prompted a swift response from legal and civil rights groups, who have condemned the reported remarks as deeply offensive and potentially discriminatory. The incident raises questions about the training and oversight of CBP personnel regarding religious sensitivity and cultural awareness.
Bovino’s Role in Trump Administration Immigration Policies
Gregory Bovino, born March 27, 1970, has a long career in law enforcement, beginning in 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Carolina University and a Master of Arts degree from Appalachian State University. According to his Wikipedia profile, Bovino became a prominent figure in the implementation of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, leading operations in California and other states. He was described by PBS NewsHour as the “go-to architect” for large-scale immigration crackdowns and the public face of city-by-city sweeps.
As commander-at-large of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Bovino oversaw numerous detentions and deportations in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Minneapolis. TIME magazine reported that he has been documented leading large patrols and deploying tear gas against protesters. Bovino has also been active on social media, frequently engaging in debates with critics of the administration’s immigration policies. His outspoken defense of enforcement actions has further amplified the controversy surrounding his leadership.
Recent Controversies and Removal from Post
Bovino’s tenure as a leading figure in immigration enforcement has been marked by increasing scrutiny, particularly following two fatal shootings of civilians by federal agents in Minneapolis within a three-week period. The shootings of Renee Decent, a 37-year-old mother, and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old VA nurse, sparked widespread protests and calls for accountability. Bovino defended the agents’ actions as “legal, ethical, and moral” following Good’s death, without directly addressing the circumstances of the shooting.
Following the shootings and mounting public pressure, the Trump administration removed Bovino from his position. However, the circumstances surrounding his removal and the ongoing investigations into the shootings continue to generate controversy. The incidents have raised serious questions about the utilize of force by federal agents and the oversight of immigration enforcement operations.
Investigations Expand Beyond CBP
The investigation into Bovino’s alleged comments is not the only legal scrutiny he is facing. On Monday, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced that her office would investigate Bovino and other federal agents for potential misconduct. This investigation stems from an incident on January 21st in which Bovino allegedly deployed a smoke canister towards protesters. While the Department of Homeland Security has asserted that states cannot prosecute federal agents, Moriarty’s office is proceeding with the investigation, citing concerns about potential violations of state law.
The overlapping investigations – the internal CBP probe, the Hennepin County Attorney’s inquiry, and potential scrutiny from federal authorities – create a complex legal landscape for Bovino and the agencies involved. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for the future of immigration enforcement policies and the accountability of federal agents.
Key Takeaways
- A CBP investigation is underway regarding alleged disparaging remarks made by Gregory Bovino about a Minnesota federal prosecutor’s Jewish faith.
- The allegations stem from a January phone call where Bovino reportedly questioned the prosecutor’s availability during the Sabbath.
- Bovino previously led large-scale immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration and has been a controversial figure due to his aggressive enforcement tactics.
- The investigations come after two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis sparked protests and calls for accountability.
- Hennepin County Attorney is also investigating Bovino for allegedly deploying a smoke canister towards protesters.
As of March 5, 2026, the CBP investigation remains ongoing. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and additional information becomes available. The outcome of these investigations will likely shape the debate over immigration enforcement and the role of federal agents in local communities. Readers can find updates on this story through the Department of Homeland Security website and local news outlets in Minnesota.
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