Gregory Bovino has been removed from his role as the U.S. Border Patrol’s “commander at large” and will return to his previous post in El Centro, California, where he is expected to retire soon, according to multiple reports. The personnel change comes amid intense scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis that involved agents under his command.

Bovino had been a highly visible figure in the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement operations, leading deployments to cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis. His public profile soared as he traveled with Border Patrol agents and used social media to defend and promote the federal crackdown.

The reported change in Bovino’s position follows growing backlash over the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis during an operation late last month. Critics, including local officials and civil rights advocates, have questioned the tactics used by federal agents and whether they were appropriate.

President Donald Trump has acknowledged the controversy surrounding immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, including his own social media comments and discussions with state leaders about the situation. In recent days, Trump spoke with Minnesota’s governor and sent veteran immigration official Tom Homan to oversee operations there — a move interpreted by some as a tactical shift.

Department of Homeland Security officials have pushed back on some reports, with Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stating on social media that Bovino has not been relieved of his duties and remains “a key part of the President’s team.” Nonetheless, multiple sources have confirmed he will be reassigned and is expected to retire.

Bovino’s departure marks a notable moment in the ongoing debate over federal immigration policy and enforcement strategy, as leaders at the national and local levels continue to respond to public reaction, legal challenges and political pressure tied to high-profile enforcement actions.