In brief
In a recent BBC interview, Greg Bovino – the former United States Border Patrol chief – labeled the Trump administration’s decision to pull agents from Minneapolis a “surrender”. He has dismissed lawsuits filed by the family of Renee Good, the woman shot dead during the raid, calling the legal action a routine claim. The comments have reignited debate over the raid’s legality and the broader U.S. immigration enforcement strategy.
WASHINGTON – In a frank BBC interview, Greg Bovino, the former United States Border Patrol chief who became the face of the controversial Minneapolis raid earlier this year, said the Trump administration’s withdrawal of agents from the city was a “surrender.” He blamed the decision on a “thrown‑towel” moment as the White House sought to de‑escalate the situation after the fatal shoot‑out.
Bovino also dismissed the civil lawsuit filed by the family of Renee Good, who was shot and killed during the raid, calling the claim “just another lawsuit.” He praised the Minneapolis officers as “heroes” and maintained that the agents had acted under valid authority. Good’s relatives, led by her partner, say the operation “created an unprecedented environment for state‑sponsored violence” and called for a full investigation.
The incident, which was captured on video, triggered a bipartisan backlash and prompted President Donald Trump to announce a “de‑escalation” of the operation. Hundreds of ICE agents were withdrawn from the city, and Bovino was later removed from his position in March 2024.
While the White House insists the move trimmed illegal immigration, critics argue it paved the way for unchecked violence. Bovino’s remarks came as he was campaigning for stricter enforcement measures, even suggesting a future presidential run in 2028.
