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U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched an internal investigation into allegations that Gregory Bovino, a key figure in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, made anti-Semitic remarks about Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor.
The investigation follows reports by The New York Times and CBS News that Bovino made disparaging comments about U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Daniel N. Rosen during a January 12 conference call. The call was organized to coordinate a meeting about the deployment of immigration agents in the Minneapolis area.
“Following a letter from a Congressman inquiring about reporting on anonymous allegations, CBP opened an internal inquiry to determine the full story,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday. “This is standard procedure and does NOT indicate any confirmation of wrongdoing.”
According to the media reports, Bovino allegedly complained that Rosen was unavailable for part of a weekend because of the Jewish Sabbath, which is observed from sunset Friday to nightfall Saturday. Bovino reportedly used the term “chosen people” in a derogatory manner and sarcastically questioned whether Rosen understood that some Orthodox Jewish people work during the Sabbath.
CBS News reported that Bovino asked, “Do Orthodox criminals also take off on Saturday?” The Times noted that Rosen was not directly part of the conversation, having delegated the call to a deputy.
The investigation was confirmed by an email from an investigator with CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, who stated they had opened an “official inquiry into the allegation” that Bovino made “unprofessional comments.”
Bovino had been a prominent figure in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy until late January. Before the Minneapolis operation, he led Border Patrol agents in operations across major U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New Orleans. In December, he was dispatched to Minnesota to oversee what Homeland Security described as its largest-ever immigration enforcement operation.
His leadership role came to an abrupt end following two fatal shootings by federal officers in Minneapolis. The deaths of 37-year-old mother Renee Good and 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti sparked nationwide demonstrations and intense criticism of Homeland Security’s use-of-force policies, ultimately leading to Bovino’s removal from his commanding position.
The controversy surrounding Bovino has intensified further as Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced on Monday that her office would investigate him and other federal officers for alleged misconduct. Specifically, Moriarty’s investigation will examine an incident on January 21 when Bovino reportedly threw a smoke canister at protesters.
In response, the Department of Homeland Security maintained that states lack the authority to prosecute federal officers, setting up a potential jurisdictional conflict between local and federal authorities.
This investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement tactics and leadership under the Trump administration. Immigration has remained a divisive and contentious political issue, with enforcement strategies and operations frequently drawing criticism from civil rights organizations and immigration advocates.
The allegations against Bovino are particularly sensitive given the rise in reported anti-Semitic incidents across the United States in recent years. If substantiated, such comments from a senior federal law enforcement official would raise serious concerns about religious bias within immigration enforcement agencies.
As the internal investigation proceeds, it adds another layer of complexity to the already controversial immigration operations in Minneapolis and raises questions about leadership culture within federal law enforcement agencies tasked with immigration enforcement.
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15 Comments
If these allegations against Bovino are accurate, it would be a clear violation of the public trust. Government officials must model respect for diversity and inclusion, regardless of religious affiliation. I hope the investigation leads to accountability and policy changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
Allegations of anti-Semitic remarks by a government official are very concerning. Religious freedom and tolerance are core American principles that must be upheld, especially by those in positions of public trust. A thorough and transparent investigation is warranted.
This is a concerning situation that merits a full and impartial investigation. Government officials must be held to the highest standards of conduct, including religious tolerance and respect for diversity. I hope the truth comes to light.
This is a serious allegation that requires a careful and unbiased investigation. Government leaders must treat all religious faiths with equal respect and dignity. I hope the truth comes to light and appropriate actions are taken if the claims are substantiated.
Disparaging remarks about someone’s faith are never acceptable, especially from a government official. I hope the investigation is thorough and that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken if the allegations are substantiated.
Absolutely. Religious freedom is a fundamental right, and public servants have a duty to uphold that principle. Any confirmed instances of religious discrimination should be met with firm consequences.
This is a concerning allegation. If true, Bovino’s comments would be highly inappropriate and unacceptable. Government officials must uphold religious freedom and treat all faiths with respect. I hope the investigation provides clarity on the situation.
Agreed, any disparaging remarks about someone’s faith are unacceptable, especially from a public official. The investigation needs to be thorough and transparent.
If the allegations against Bovino are accurate, it’s a serious breach of public trust. Government leaders should be models of inclusion and respect for all faiths. I hope the investigation is handled transparently and leads to appropriate accountability.
The reported comments, if true, are unacceptable and warrant a swift and impartial investigation. Government officials must remain impartial and avoid any appearance of bias or intolerance towards people of faith. Transparency will be key in this case.
Allegations of anti-Semitic comments by a government official are very serious. It’s important that the investigation is conducted fairly and impartially to determine the facts. Religious discrimination has no place in our society.
I share your concern. Religious tolerance and inclusion are core American values that must be upheld, especially by those in positions of authority.
Any suggestion of religious discrimination by a public official is extremely troubling. The public deserves leaders who uphold democratic values of equality and religious freedom. I hope this investigation is thorough and comprehensive.
If Bovino did make these comments, it’s a troubling breach of the public trust. Government leaders should promote unity, not division. I hope the inquiry leads to accountability and policy changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
Well said. Public servants must set a higher standard and avoid any appearance of religious bias or intolerance. Transparency and swift action will be crucial in this case.