DHS Launches Internal Probe into Alleged Anti-Semitic Remarks by Border Official
The Department of Homeland Security has initiated an official internal investigation into serious allegations concerning Gregory Bovino, a senior border patrol official. According to a New York Times report, Bovino allegedly made disparaging and mocking comments about the Jewish faith of Daniel Rosen, Minnesota's top federal prosecutor, during a telephone conversation on January 12.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The controversial phone call occurred after Bovino requested a meeting with Rosen. Bovino was reportedly pushing the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's office to adopt a more aggressive stance toward criminalizing individuals he believed were obstructing federal agents. These agents were enforcing the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in the state, an operation known as "Operation Metro Surge."
During this call, Bovino is alleged to have made sarcastic comments specifically targeting Rosen's observance of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. Furthermore, he reportedly used the phrase "chosen people" in a derisive and mocking tone, a term with significant religious and cultural connotations for Jewish people.
Official Inquiry and Broader Context
John Breckenridge, a special investigator with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, has confirmed the launch of an "official inquiry into the allegation" that Bovino made "unprofessional comments." Breckenridge contacted the New York Times seeking assistance with this inquiry, though he did not specify if other aspects of Bovino's conduct were under simultaneous review. The Department of Homeland Security did not provide an immediate comment to requests from the Guardian.
This investigation unfolds against a backdrop of intense scrutiny surrounding Operation Metro Surge. Bovino became the public face of this controversial immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, which resulted in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, within a two-week period. Following these deaths, Bovino was removed from his leadership role. Former President Donald Trump subsequently dispatched Tom Homan, his so-called "border czar," to assume control of the operation. Homan announced a significant drawdown of the approximately 3,000 federal agents previously deployed across Minnesota.
Parallel State-Level Criminal Investigation
In a separate but related development, a Minnesota prosecutor announced on Monday that her office is pursuing a criminal investigation that could potentially lead to charges against federal officers, including Gregory Bovino. The probe focuses on alleged misconduct during Operation Metro Surge.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated that her office is examining 17 specific cases. One notable incident under review, captured on video from January 21, shows Bovino throwing a smoke canister at protesters. Moriarty's office has established an online portal to collect photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts from any point during the operation.
"Make no mistake, we are not afraid of the legal fight, and we are committed to doing this correctly," Moriarty declared. "Operation Metro Surge caused immeasurable harm to our community."
The Department of Homeland Security responded to the state investigation with a firm statement on Monday night, asserting that such enforcement is a federal responsibility and that states lack the legal authority to prosecute federal officers acting within their official duties. "What these States are trying to do is unlawful, and they know it," the DHS statement contended. "Federal officials acting in the course of their duties are immune from liability under state law."
Reporting contributions were provided by Abené Clayton.
