Pretti, a U.S. citizen, was shot after being restrained by Border Patrol agents. Video footage widely shared online indicated that Pretti was holding a phone at the time and may have been disarmed before the shooting. The incident has drawn national and international attention, prompting calls for investigation and review of enforcement practices.
According to reports, Bovino will return to his previous role as chief patrol agent along California’s El Centro sector of the U.S.-Mexico border. A senior Trump administration official indicated that some of the agents deployed with Bovino in Minnesota will also be reassigned.
President Donald Trump has appointed Tom Homan, referred to as a “border czar,” to oversee operations in Minnesota, reporting directly to the president. The operation, known as “Operation Metro Surge,” aims to manage immigration enforcement while addressing public concerns over safety and procedure.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that Bovino has not been formally relieved of his duties. Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that he remains an active part of the agency, while reports noted that access to his official social media accounts has been temporarily suspended.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the incident as a “tragedy” and highlighted that the administration is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting. DHS and other federal authorities continue to examine the events, including operational protocols and decision-making processes.
The reassignment of Bovino marks a significant step in the ongoing federal response to heightened tensions in Minneapolis, as officials balance enforcement responsibilities with public safety concerns and scrutiny over law enforcement actions.