Top Border Patrol Official Accused of Making Anti-Semitic Remark on Conference Call.
A recent call between federal officials in Minnesota, including U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen, an Orthodox Jew, and Gregory Bovino, the leader of the Border Patrol, has raised concerns about anti-Semitism within the government. According to sources familiar with the conversation, Bovino allegedly used language that was offensive and disparaging towards Jews on the call.
The incident occurred just five days after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. Bovino was involved in planning a meeting to discuss immigration issues in the area and told Rosen, who observes the Sabbath, that he could not attend because of his religious practices. According to sources, Bovino responded with audible frustration and made remarks that included the phrase "chosen people" in a negative light.
One source described Bovino's comments as an "antisemitic rant." The New York Times first reported the incident. Reports of Bovino's conduct on the call were relayed to Attorney General Pam Bondi and others in the Department of Justice, as well as the White House.
This latest controversy surrounding Bovino comes at a time when the Trump administration has been pushing for policies aimed at countering antisemitism. In recent months, the Justice Department and the Department of Education have launched investigations into whether college campuses are protecting Jewish students during protests over the war in Gaza.
Bovino's behavior has sparked concerns within the government and among some federal prosecutors in Minnesota. His sometimes brusque manner had already raised eyebrows previously, including a federal judge who criticized his responses to protesters during deportation operations in Chicago.
In November, an appeals court paused a ruling by Judge Sara Ellis that limited the use of force by federal immigration agents in Chicago. Bovino was reassigned and relieved of his command in Minneapolis earlier this week following backlash over how top officials responded to the shooting death of Alex Pretti by two Customs and Border Protection officers.
A recent call between federal officials in Minnesota, including U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen, an Orthodox Jew, and Gregory Bovino, the leader of the Border Patrol, has raised concerns about anti-Semitism within the government. According to sources familiar with the conversation, Bovino allegedly used language that was offensive and disparaging towards Jews on the call.
The incident occurred just five days after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. Bovino was involved in planning a meeting to discuss immigration issues in the area and told Rosen, who observes the Sabbath, that he could not attend because of his religious practices. According to sources, Bovino responded with audible frustration and made remarks that included the phrase "chosen people" in a negative light.
One source described Bovino's comments as an "antisemitic rant." The New York Times first reported the incident. Reports of Bovino's conduct on the call were relayed to Attorney General Pam Bondi and others in the Department of Justice, as well as the White House.
This latest controversy surrounding Bovino comes at a time when the Trump administration has been pushing for policies aimed at countering antisemitism. In recent months, the Justice Department and the Department of Education have launched investigations into whether college campuses are protecting Jewish students during protests over the war in Gaza.
Bovino's behavior has sparked concerns within the government and among some federal prosecutors in Minnesota. His sometimes brusque manner had already raised eyebrows previously, including a federal judge who criticized his responses to protesters during deportation operations in Chicago.
In November, an appeals court paused a ruling by Judge Sara Ellis that limited the use of force by federal immigration agents in Chicago. Bovino was reassigned and relieved of his command in Minneapolis earlier this week following backlash over how top officials responded to the shooting death of Alex Pretti by two Customs and Border Protection officers.