U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commander Gregory Bovino has extended an invitation to Minneapolis police officers who are interested in joining federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Border Patrol.
Bovino stated that many rank-and-file officers in Minneapolis have expressed a desire to transition to these roles and offered to personally meet with those considering the move. He said: “I’d be HAPPY to PERSONALLY meet those officers that want to join us!”
The outreach follows reports that several Minneapolis police officers have approached Bovino’s team expressing gratitude for their role in deporting undocumented individuals. This development occurs amid tensions within local law enforcement, as Mayor Jacob Frey recently called on officers to resist federal agents. Bovino’s actions are described as occurring in direct opposition to the mayor’s stance.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has been criticized for instructing Somali immigrants to contact local police if ICE attempts an arrest. Reports indicate regular Minneapolis police officers are increasingly fed up with current leadership and have expressed a desire to assist federal immigration efforts, citing their firsthand knowledge of community issues. One source noted: “In stark contrast to Mayor Frey, Commander Bovino was right there on the streets on Saturday, flanked by his security and decked out in a custom Border Patrol coat, leading efforts to clear anti-ICE protestors.”
