Border Patrol chief Bovino reportedly kicked out of Las Vegas bar to 'maintain safe environment'
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.
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.”
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.
Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties. As @PressSec stated from the White House podium, @CMDROpAtLargeCA is a key part of the President’s team and a great American. https://t.co/qj3E9B8uzg
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) January 27, 2026
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
Trump: "Bovino is very good, but he's a pretty out there kind of a guy. It some cases that's good, maybe it wasn't good here. But when I watch some of the people I've been watching over the past few weeks, these are paid insurrectionists, these are paid agitators. These people… pic.twitter.com/NBT6bqPMwU
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 27, 2026
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.”
