Border Patrol chief Bovino reportedly kicked out of Las Vegas bar to 'maintain safe environment'

'As a private business, Bottled Blonde reserves the right to refuse service to any patron at its discretion,' the bar said
PUBLISHED FEB 7, 2026
A bar called Bottled Blonde in Las Vegas refused service to Gregory Bovino and escorted him out to 'maintain a safe and orderly environment for all patrons' (Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost via AP)
A bar called Bottled Blonde in Las Vegas refused service to Gregory Bovino and escorted him out to 'maintain a safe and orderly environment for all patrons' (Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost via AP)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Former Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino was reportedly kicked out of a Las Vegas bar because the management felt his presence might cause trouble for other guests. 

The incident apparently happened after he was moved from Minneapolis, Minnesota, following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.

Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino speaks during a press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on January 22, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bovino, joined by ICE Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations Marcos Charles, addressed ongoing immigration enforcement operations in the state. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal plus federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino speaks during a press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 22, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Gregory Bovino was asked to leave the bar and was escorted out by staff

Gregory Bovino was spotted drinking wine with friends at a bar called Bottled Blonde in Las Vegas on January 30. Once the staff realized who he was, they asked him to leave immediately. 

The bar explained its decision to the Daily Beast, saying, “Bottled Blonde does not engage in political activity or affiliations. As a private business, Bottled Blonde reserves the right to refuse service to any patron at its discretion.”

U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino (C) looks on as he is confronted by community members on January 21, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal plus federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino (C) looks on as he is confronted by community members on January 21, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The bar staff made it clear that they escorted him out to keep things calm and safe for everyone else.

They stated that “Upon becoming aware of the individual’s presence, the patron was asked to leave the premises and was escorted out by staff in accordance with venue policy to maintain a safe and orderly environment for all patrons.”

Gregory Bovino reassigned to California amid Minneapolis unrest

Bovino was reassigned after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. 

Right after a Border Patrol agent shot Pretti, Bovino told the public that the ICU nurse was planning to “massacre” the agents.

However, video footage later showed a very different story in which agents had already tackled and pepper-sprayed Pretti, taken his gun away, and then shot him 10 times in the back.



Following the incident, an article by The Atlantic magazine stated that Bovino was being moved to a different post in California, “where he is expected to retire soon.” 

However, spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, in response to the claim, stated, “Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties,” and claimed Bovino "is a key part of the President's team and a great American," however, she did not mention anything related to his move.

Trump on the decision to reassign Gregory Bovino



Meanwhile, President Donald Trump spoke out about the decision to move Bovino, trying to describe it as a normal business change rather than a "pull back."

He admitted that Bovino had a very intense personality and that his style didn't always work in every situation. 

The commander-in-chief noted, “Bovino is very good, but he's a pretty out-there kind of a guy. In some cases that's good, maybe it wasn't good here.” 

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