Former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) chief Gregory Bovino retired in March amid an internal investigation into his conduct during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis and Chicago, federal records released last week indicate. The inquiry, initiated by a government watchdog, focused on allegations of misconduct reported to CBP and included questions about Bovino’s credibility following a federal judge’s critical findings regarding his testimony.
Emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request show that on March 2, an unnamed CBP official contacted Bovino to acknowledge an “official inquiry into allegations of misconduct,” requesting his response. Less than three weeks later, Bovino informed officials via email of his intention to retire and relocate. His retirement was finalized later that month after overseeing controversial operations such as the 2025 Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, which involved aggressive tactics against protesters and media, and the 2026 Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.
The investigation was prompted in part by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis’s ruling last November that Bovino’s courtroom testimony was “not credible” during a civil rights lawsuit brought by media organizations and protesters over federal agents’ conduct during the Midway Blitz. Ellis’s decision cited evasive and misleading responses from Bovino during his deposition, which lasted three days. The case resulted in a preliminary injunction limiting agents’ use of tear gas and other chemical agents, requiring body cameras and clear identification on federal personnel.
Documents from the internal inquiry also raised questions about comments Bovino allegedly made during a January meeting with prosecutors in Minneapolis. He was asked whether, upon learning a lead prosecutor—the U.S. Attorney for the district—would not participate in a meeting due to observing the Sabbath, he responded with remarks interpreted as offensive references to Orthodox Jewish individuals and the concept of “chosen people.” Bovino has denied these allegations, stating that the accusations only emerged after his departure and describing the inquiries as politically motivated.
In communications with the media, Bovino contended that a previous review had cleared him of wrongdoing, but that CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott referred the matter for further scrutiny. He framed the investigation as a tactic to force his resignation, saying the agency “weaponized internal affairs” to undermine him and strip his security detail. Homeland Security officials declined to comment on personnel matters involving former employees but confirmed Bovino’s retirement was voluntary and noted that CBP does not provide security for retired staff.
Since leaving the agency, Bovino has publicly criticized both the Trump administration and his successors, alleging a shift toward softer immigration enforcement policies and accusing leadership of undermining agents through internal investigations. He has maintained that he was targeted unfairly and dismissed the judge’s credibility findings as false.
The internal review highlights ongoing tensions within CBP amid controversies over immigration enforcement tactics and accountability. While the investigation’s full outcome remains undisclosed, Bovino’s departure underscores challenges faced by agency leadership as it balances operational priorities with legal and ethical scrutiny.