Bold claim: A high-stakes clash over immigration enforcement and conduct is unfolding, with federal officials under scrutiny for what could redefine accountability across agencies. But here’s where it gets controversial: the heart of the dispute centers on alleged disparaging remarks about a Jewish lawyer and broader questions about how internal investigations are handled.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun an internal review into claims that Gregory Bovino, a senior border patrol official, made anti-Jewish comments about Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor. The New York Times reports that Bovino, who played a visible role in a tough immigration crackdown in Minnesota, allegedly mocked the federal prosecutor Daniel Rosen during a January phone call with state prosecutors. The Times notes that Bovino is said to have mocked Rosen’s observance of Shabbat and used the phrase “chosen people” in a mocking tone during the January 12 call.
The call occurred after Bovino asked for a meeting with Rosen to push the Minnesota US attorney’s office toward a tougher crackdown on individuals Bovino believed were hindering federal agents from enforcing the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. The Times reported this sequence on the prior weekend.
CBP special investigator John Breckenridge has launched an official inquiry into the allegation of “unprofessional comments.” Breckenridge sought assistance from the Times but did not indicate whether other aspects of Bovino’s conduct are under review. A DHS spokesperson told The Guardian that the inquiry is a standard procedure following a Congressman’s inquiry about anonymous allegations and does not imply confirmed wrongdoing.
Bovino’s removal as head of “Operation Metro Surge” followed deadly incidents in which federal immigration agents fatally shot two individuals in Minnesota within a short span. In the aftermath, former President Donald Trump sent his border policy adviser Tom Homan to take charge of the operation, and Homan announced a reduction in the force deployed in Minnesota.
Separately, Minnesota prosecutors announced a criminal investigation that could charge federal officers, including Bovino, for alleged misconduct during the surge. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said 17 cases are under review, including a publicly captured incident from January 21 in which Bovino appears to throw a smoke canister at protesters.
DHS emphasized that enforcing immigration policy is a federal responsibility and that states cannot prosecute federal officers. A DHS statement asserted that states attempting to do so are acting unlawfully, and that federal officials acting within their duties are immune from state liability.
Moriarty’s office has set up an online portal for uploads of photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts related to Operation Metro Surge. Moriarty stated that they are prepared for a legal fight and committed to conducting the review correctly, stressing the harm the operation caused to the community.
Abené Clayton contributed reporting.
