Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, who once led the federal immigration operation in Minnesota and other major U.S. cities, is retiring by the end of the month.
His departure comes after President Donald Trump ousted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was simultaneously reassigned as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas.
The embattled Border Patrol official first told Breitbart about his decision. The move was confirmed to the Washington Examiner by a person familiar with the decision.
“The greatest honor of my entire life was to work alongside Border Patrol agents on the border and in the interior of the United States in some of the most challenging conditions the agency has ever faced,” Bovino said.
“Watching these agents out there giving it their all in some of the most dangerous of environments we have ever faced was humbling,” he added.
Bovino was previously the public face of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement operations. He successfully boosted the number of illegal immigrants arrested and deported, but his tactics were scrutinized by a federal judge in Chicago where a similar operation was underway.
Other cities that also experienced an immigration crackdown, led by Bovino, were Los Angeles, Charlotte, and New Orleans.
MAJOR AIRLINE CEOS COME TOGETHER TO PLEAD FOR DEAL ON DHS FUNDING
After federal immigration officers shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis two months ago, public opinion turned against Bovino. The administration relieved him of his duties as Border Patrol commander.
Trump then sent White House border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to deescalate tensions. After meeting with Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Homan advised the president to withdraw immigration officers from the state.
Noem is also leaving her post at the end of the month. If confirmed, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) will replace her.
Anna Giaritelli contributed to this reporting.